During a meeting on 12/1, Michael Carrick reached an agreement with Man Utd's management regarding his interim role and the composition of the coaching staff. The following day, the former English midfielder arrived at the Carrington training center to sign a contract valid until summer 2026.

"Being entrusted with leading Man Utd is a great honor," Carrick said on his return to Old Trafford with this new task. "I understand what it takes to succeed here. My focus now is on helping the players reach the standards the club expects. This is a capable squad, and I believe they are fully able to demonstrate their true quality at a great club like Man Utd."

Michael Carrick on the day he was appointed interim manager of Man Utd until the end of the season. Photo: Man Utd

Carrick will work alongside assistant Steve Holland, former England assistant coach, and Jonathan Woodgate, a former English defender who previously worked with Carrick at Middlesbrough. U21 team coach Travis Binnion and defender Jonny Evans remain part of the coaching staff, while Darren Fletcher, who managed Man Utd in the last two matches, returns to work with the U18 team.

Carrick's immediate task is to help Man Utd finish in the top 4 of the Premier League, having been eliminated early from domestic cup competitions and not competing in European cups. The 44-year-old former midfielder will face two difficult opening matches: Man Utd hosts Man City on 17/1 and visits Arsenal on 25/1. These matches could quickly determine their ambition for a top 4 finish and their entire season.

According to British newspaper Sportmail, Man Utd interviewed three candidates: Carrick, Ole Solskjaer, and Ruud van Nistelrooy, after sacking Ruben Amorim. Internal experience, player understanding, and leadership skills were factors that led to Carrick's selection. Football Director Jason Wilcox praised the appointment, stating, "'Carrick is an excellent coach and understands what is needed to win at Man Utd. He is ready to lead this talented and determined group of players for the remainder of the season, as the club continues to build a foundation for sustained success.'"

Carrick began work on 14/1. Photo: Man Utd

Carrick is no stranger to interim roles at Old Trafford. After Ole Solskjaer was sacked in late 2021, Carrick managed Man Utd for three matches as interim coach, securing two wins and one draw. He left the club when Ralf Rangnick was appointed interim manager until the end of the 2021-2022 season. Before that, Carrick was a member of the coaching staff under Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer, immediately after retiring in 2018.

During his playing career, Carrick played for Man Utd from 2006 to 2018, making 464 appearances and winning 5 Premier League titles and one Champions League. Prior to that, he played for West Ham and Tottenham.

Carrick previously managed Middlesbrough. When he was appointed in October 2022, the team was 21st in the English Championship. They then climbed to 4th place by the end of the season, before being eliminated in the promotion play-off semi-finals. Middlesbrough then finished 8th in the 2023-2024 season. Carrick was given a three-year contract extension, but the team only finished 10th in the 2024-2025 season, leading to his dismissal after the season concluded.

Hong Duy (according to Manutd.com)