Agency Report | Curated by Newsworth | Jan. 13, 2026
Manchester United has named Michael Carrick as interim head coach until the end of the season, following the sacking of Ruben Amorim and a short caretaker spell by Darren Fletcher. The club’s decision reflects a desire for continuity, stability and someone who intimately understands United’s culture and philosophy. Carrick fits that bill perfectly.
Manchester United confirmed Tuesday that Michael Carrick will serve as interim manager for the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season. The former United captain, who left Old Trafford in 2021, was the club’s unanimous choice to replace interim boss Darren Fletcher and dismissed head coach Ruben Amorim.
Carrick’s appointment follows weeks of internal debate. United considered bringing back Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but ultimately prioritized continuity and opted for someone steeped in the club’s DNA. Director of football Jason Wilcox led the search and, after impressing both Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada, during a face-to-face interview last Thursday, Carrick reached a verbal agreement to take the role on Monday.
“I’m honoured to have the responsibility to lead Manchester United,” Carrick said. “I know what it takes to succeed here. My focus now is helping the players reach the standards we expect at this club. I know this group is more than capable of meeting them. I’ve worked with many of these players before, kept close tabs on the team in recent years, and I have total belief in their talent, dedication and ability to be successful.”
United believes Carrick’s deep knowledge of the club, having made 464 appearances, won five Premier League titles and lifted the 2008 Champions League, which makes him ideally suited to guide the squad through a turbulent campaign. Key players such as captain Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw were all part of the team during Carrick’s final years at Old Trafford.
Wilcox praised Carrick’s credentials. “Michael is an excellent coach who knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United. He’s ready to lead our talented and determined group for the rest of the season as we build toward regular and sustained success.”
Carrick will be supported by a handpicked coaching team, including former England assistant Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, Travis Binnion (Under-21s coach) and Craig Mawson. His first match in charge will be Saturday’s Manchester derby against City at Old Trafford, a fixture that could set the tone for United’s push for European qualification.
At 44, Carrick brings recent managerial experience from Middlesbrough, where he reached the Championship play-offs in 2023 before being dismissed last summer after a 10th-place finish. He previously had a brief but successful caretaker spell at United in 2021, winning two and drawing one of three games after Solskjaer’s exit.
Darren Fletcher, who managed United’s 2–2 draw with Burnley and FA Cup loss to Brighton, will return to his role with the Under-18 squad, a move the club says reflects confidence in his future potential.
United are currently seventh in the Premier League, three points shy of the top four and just one behind fifth-placed Brentford. With European qualification still possible, Carrick’s mission is clear, unite the squad, deliver results and lay foundations for a permanent successor to be appointed in the summer.
