Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Michael Carrick is still expected to leave his Manchester United post in the summer but his latest transfer plans suggest that might not be the case.
Ineos decided to hire Michael Carrick over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the interim head coach role until the summer.
The process of hiring a permanent manager is well underway and Carrick’s unbeaten start on his return to Old Trafford means he is now a frontrunner.
Carrick wants to stay permanently at United and it is going to be very difficult for Ineos to turn him away. United fans want Carrick to stay as well, and it seems he is already planning ahead to the transfer window.
Michael Carrick during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Michael Carrick celebrates after the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in 2026 in Liverpool, England.
Michael Carrick celebrates after the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in 2026 in Liverpool, England.
Michael Carrick is clearly planning for the transfer window
As things stand, Michael Carrick is set to depart at the end of the season, meaning he will not be in charge for the summer transfer window.
Ineos have taken control of transfers at Old Trafford but the head coach will have a say on first-team incomings.
Speaking ahead of the Newcastle United clash on Wednesday evening, Carrick told the media that there are potential plans to sign a left winger in the summer.
“Adding a left winger is a possibility, yes. It’s a point to consider, definitely,” Carrick said.
Carrick is happy to be a head coach rather than a manager, which was one sticking point for his predecessor Ruben Amorim.
Michael Carrick applauds after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Michael Carrick applauds after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Michael Carrick is planning for the long term at Man United
In the same press conference, Carrick spoke about his desire to plan for the long term even if Ineos choose to hire someone else in the summer.
“I love being here and doing what I’m doing,” Carrick said.
“I don’t make decisions to get quick short-term results. My responsibility, no matter how long my tenure lasts, is to make the decisions that are best for the club in the long term.”
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Carrick’s commitment to United’s long-term success is yet another reason why he should be a favourite for the permanent job.
Unlike Amorim, Carrick has been present at academy games, and he is laying the foundations for United’s success rather than his own personal record.