Daijiworld Media Network - Manchester
Manchester, Jan 14: Struggling Manchester United on Tuesday turned to former player Michael Carrick in a bid to rescue their faltering season, appointing him as head coach until the end of the campaign following the sacking of Ruben Amorim last week.
The former England midfielder, who enjoyed a glittering playing career at Old Trafford, was chosen ahead of former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was also interviewed for the role. Carrick won five Premier League titles and the Champions League with United and was part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most successful sides. He also previously served as an assistant coach and had an unbeaten three-match stint as interim manager after Solskjaer was dismissed in 2021.
“I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club,” Carrick said. “This group is more than capable of delivering.”
By opting for a short-term appointment, United has bought itself time to identify a long-term successor to Amorim, who became the sixth permanent manager to be discarded since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. Notably, the club did not officially label Carrick as an “interim” manager, leaving the door open for him to stake a claim if results improve over the remaining 17 games.
Carrick’s only full-time managerial spell was with Championship side Middlesbrough from 2022 to 2025, which ended after he failed to secure promotion to the Premier League. Former England assistant Steve Holland will join his coaching staff at United.
The challenge ahead is formidable, with Carrick’s first two matches coming against second-placed Manchester City at home on Saturday, followed by a trip to league leaders Arsenal the next weekend. United are currently seventh in the Premier League and face the prospect of another trophyless season after their FA Cup exit to Brighton and an earlier League Cup elimination by fourth-tier Grimsby.
Despite the setbacks, Carrick expressed confidence in the squad. “There is still a lot to fight for this season. We are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves,” he said, adding that Champions League qualification remains the priority.
United director of football Jason Wilcox backed the appointment, saying, “Michael is an excellent coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United. He is ready to lead our talented and determined group of players for the remainder of the season.”
Carrick was a key member of Ferguson’s legendary teams, winning 12 major trophies during his 12-year spell at the club, including the Premier League and Champions League double in 2008, and featuring in United’s last league title-winning side in Ferguson’s final season.