Michael Carrick Appointed Manchester United Head Coach Until End of Season

Manchester United have appointed former midfielder Michael Carrick as head coach until the end of the season in a bid to steady the club during a difficult campaign.

Carrick was confirmed in the role on Tuesday following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim last week. The former England international enjoyed a hugely successful playing career at Old Trafford, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League, and is now tasked with guiding United through the remainder of the season.

Carrick previously served as an assistant coach at the club and oversaw an unbeaten three-match spell as interim manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure in 2021. On this occasion, he was chosen ahead of Solskjaer, who was also interviewed for the position.

“I know what it takes to succeed here,” Carrick said. “My focus is now on helping the players reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know this group is more than capable of producing.”

By appointing Carrick on a short-term basis, United have given themselves time to identify a long-term successor to Amorim, who became the sixth permanent manager to be dismissed since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. The club notably did not describe Carrick as an interim appointment when announcing his contract.

Carrick could yet strengthen his case for the role on a permanent basis if he impresses during the club’s remaining 17 matches this season. His only previous full-time managerial role came at Middlesbrough between 2022 and 2025, where his tenure ended after failing to secure promotion to the Premier League.

Former England assistant Steve Holland will join Carrick’s coaching staff at United.

The new head coach faces an immediate challenge, with his first two matches coming against second-placed Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday, followed by a trip to league leaders Arsenal the following weekend.

During his previous spell in charge in 2021, Carrick oversaw victories against Arsenal and Villarreal, as well as a draw away to Chelsea.

Carrick’s primary objective will be to secure Champions League qualification, particularly after United’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday left the 20-time English champions heading towards another trophyless season. United were also knocked out of the League Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby and currently sit seventh in the Premier League.

Despite the club’s struggles, Carrick expressed confidence in his squad.

“There is still a lot to fight for this season,” he said. “We are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves. I have total belief in the players.”

Darren Fletcher, who took charge of United’s two matches following Amorim’s departure — a league draw at Burnley and the FA Cup defeat to Brighton — is expected to return to his role as a youth coach. Former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was also among those considered for the position.

Amorim joins a list of managers who have failed to return United to the summit of English football, following David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag.

Carrick was a key member of one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s greatest sides, winning a Premier League and Champions League double in 2008. In total, he claimed 12 major trophies during his 12-year spell at the club and was part of United’s most recent Premier League title-winning team in Ferguson’s final season.

“Michael is an excellent coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United,” said United’s director of football Jason Wilcox, who led the search for Amorim’s replacement. “He is ready to lead our talented and determined group of players for the remainder of the season as we continue to build the club towards regular and sustained success.”