Steve Holland has shown one of his standout qualities as a football coach after his appointment under Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick’s sensational return to Old Trafford earlier this month came with equally surprising news that Steve Holland would be part of his backroom staff.
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Holland and United legend Carrick had never worked together before the 55-year-old former England assistant manager became the interim head coach’s right-hand man.
The newly appointed United assistant manager made a real name for himself after his work with former England head coach Sir Gareth Southgate for the Three Lions.
A key member of the United coaching staff, Holland has already earned widespread praise for his influential contribution to the Red Devils’ recent resurgence in form.
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Michael Carrick and Steve Holland during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
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What has been said about Man Utd assistant manager Steve Holland speaks volumes
Steve Holland was at the heart of Sir Gareth Southgate’s approach to England and the Three Lions made major progress in tournaments under the duo’s collaboration.
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The ex-Three Lions assistant manager has been credited for helping to turn around the Red Devils’ defensive work after getting stuck into training with the players.
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Patrick Dorgu celebrates with his teammates during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United.
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BBC Sport did a profile on Holland and the publication spoke with insiders about the ex-Yokohama F Marinos and Crewe Alexandra manager as a person and as a coach.
The news outlet’s sources highlighted the meticulous detail that Holland puts towards his work on the football pitch and his affinity with the sport as well.
“Football is his life,” one insider told BBC Sport.
“Whether it’s Champions League, thoughts on players or something else, he has a hell of a brain when it comes to football detail.”
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What has made Steve Holland stand out from Man Utd interim head coach Michael Carrick at Old Trafford
Michael Carrick has been welcomed with open arms after his impactful start to life at the Red Devils as the interim head coach until the end of the 2025-26 season.
The 44-year-old United legend oversaw the Red Devils’ 2-0 win over Manchester City at Old Trafford before his side beat Arsenal 3-2 at the Emirates last Sunday evening.
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Holland has been alongside Carrick in the dugout and the Man Utd assistant manager’s demeanour has been viewed as a standout ‘trait’ in the eyes of many people.
BBC Sport spotlighted that one source who worked with Holland said that the former Chelsea caretaker manager was a difficult man to read most of the time.
“You never knew whether he was quietly content or silently raging,” the source told the publication.
United are now fourth in the Premier League table and the Red Devils are back in Premier League action against Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
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