Carrick confirmed as Man United caretaker head coach

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of former midfielder Michael Carrick as caretaker head coach until the end of the season.

Carrick, 44, returns to the Old Trafford dugout having previously overseen a three-match interim spell in 2021 following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal.

He will take charge of his first game on Saturday when United host Manchester City in the Premier League.

Coaching team and immediate tasks

Carrick will be supported by an experienced backroom staff led by former England assistant manager Steve Holland. Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion will also form part of the coaching setup.

United parted ways with Ruben Amorim on 5 January after 14 months in charge, with Darren Fletcher stepping in on a temporary basis for matches against Burnley and Brighton.

Fletcher will now return to his role with the club’s under-18s, a move described internally as part of his long-term development.

Speaking to the club’s Inside Carrington podcast, Carrick said: “It’s a big responsibility, a massive pleasure and a privilege to be here, but we want to do a good job, this place deserves that.”

Why United chose Carrick

Carrick emerged as the preferred option after face-to-face talks with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also interviewed, but United ultimately prioritised Carrick’s reputation as a hands-on coach.

Club sources indicate that Carrick’s tactical clarity and coaching-led approach were decisive factors.

During his time at Middlesbrough, he developed a reputation as one of the most progressive young coaches in the country, guiding the club to Championship finishes of fourth, eighth and tenth.

Tactical shift expected

Carrick is expected to move United away from Amorim’s 3-4-3 system and towards a 4-2-3-1 formation, mirroring a transition he previously implemented at Middlesbrough. The change is viewed as more aligned with United’s traditional structure and current squad profile.

United believe Carrick’s detailed coaching style, combined with continuity and familiarity with the club, offers the most stable solution as they seek to steady a difficult campaign and restore competitiveness over the final stretch of the season.