Michael Carrick will lead Manchester United as head coach this weekend for a derby clash against Manchester City.
Manchester United confirmed on Tuesday evening that Michael Carrick has been appointed as head coach until the end of the 2025/26 season.
The 44-year-old former midfielder will take charge of 17 games with the Red Devils, with full focus on the Premier League after United crashed out of the FA Cup under Darren Fletcher.
Jason Wilcox expects United to qualify for the Champions League, but Carrick’s return to Old Trafford couldn’t get off to a much more challenging start.
United host derby rivals Manchester City on Saturday afternoon and then travel to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
TalkingPoints TV: Should Michael Carrick get a serious shot at becoming permanent Man Utd manager?
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Featuring…
📋 Michael Carrick’s top priorities
📈 How many wins Carrick needs
🏆 Winners and losers
❌ Ole misses out
⚽ Carrick’s playing days
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Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick poses at the Carrington training complex in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Michael Carrick’s record vs Manchester City
Carrick will be going head-to-head with Pep Guardiola from the Old Trafford touchline on Saturday afternoon.
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It is his first showdown with Manchester City as a head coach, but he has plenty of experience facing them as a player.
Which Man Utd player do you believe will be the BIGGEST WINNER from Michael Carrick’s appointment?
If you like, let us know who will be biggest LOSER from the hire too….
Carrick style graphic
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According to Transfermarkt, Carrick has faced City 31 times as a player, winning 17 matches, drawing three and losing 11.
A deeper dive reveals that only 24 of those matches were played while Carrick was at United. His record in the Manchester derby stands at 12 wins, two draws and 10 defeats.
Michael Carrick can learn from Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
In his first interview back at United, Carrick showed shades of Jose Mourinho in his answers, with a must-win mentality on display.
Carrick served under Mourinho as an assistant coach, while he was also part of Solskjaer’s backroom staff.
READ MORE: Man Utd fans react to Michael Carrick appointment and reveal what they want to see from new head coach
Solskjaer boasted an impressive record against City during his time as manager, and Carrick was part of the team that devised the game plans.
In six meetings against City, Solskjaer won three, drew one and lost two. Carrick has seen first-hand how to get the better of Pep Guardiola, now he can prove it on Saturday afternoon.
How many games will Michael Carrick win?
Also let us know how many you think he NEEDS to win to qualify for the Champions League… and to become full-time manager?
Carrick wins graphic
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👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
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