Manchester United have agreed with Michael Carrick to become the club’s interim manager until the end of the 2025–26 season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also considered for the role but will not return to the club. Carrick is expected to be in charge for the upcoming Manchester derby against Manchester City on Saturday.
The Athletic reported that United has a deal in principle with Carrick. The agreement includes the coaching staff he wants to bring with him. Contract details are now being finalized. The club believes everything will be completed in time so Carrick can prepare the team properly for the City match at Old Trafford.
Manchester United chose Carrick over Solskjaer after holding meetings led by chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. The decision was approved by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS. This move comes after Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim was sacked on January 5. Until now, Darren Fletcher had been handling first-team duties on a caretaker basis after being promoted from the U18 setup.
As a player, Carrick made 464 appearances for Manchester United over 12 years. He won five Premier League titles and one Champions League. This interim role gives him a chance to prove himself for a permanent position, while the club plans to decide on a long-term manager in the summer.
What Manchester United Can Expect Under Michael Carrick as Interim Manager
Former footballer Jobi McAnuff has shared what Manchester United fans can expect if Michael Carrick takes the interim manager role. McAnuff watched Carrick closely during his time at Middlesbrough while working as a pundit.
He said Carrick’s teams are very controlled and focus a lot on keeping the ball. Carrick likes to dominate possession, and that was a clear identity at Middlesbrough. McAnuff said that when you watched Middlesbrough under Carrick, you always knew how they would play, and Carrick would try to bring the same style to United.
Carrick prefers a 4-3-2-1 formation or a version of 4-3-3. McAnuff believes Manchester United has the players to play this system. From an attacking view, Middlesbrough played very good football under Carrick, and attacking players performed well. He said Carrick would help United’s forward players improve and play with confidence.
McAnuff added that one issue at Middlesbrough was having to sell their best players, but that happened because they were doing well. He also said Carrick built a strong midfield, especially helping young player Hayden Hackney develop.
Wayne Rooney Open to Joining Michael Carrick at Manchester United
Michael Carrick has become Manchester United’s caretaker manager after Ruben Amorim was sacked on January 5. Wayne Rooney has said he is ready to join Carrick’s coaching staff at the club. Rooney called it a “no-brainer” to return to Manchester United as a coach if he is asked.
After Amorim’s exit, Darren Fletcher was placed in interim charge of the first team. He managed the 2–1 FA Cup loss to Brighton and the Premier League draw against Burnley. Carrick, who played with Rooney for both Man United and England, has now emerged as the main choice to lead the team until the end of the season.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show on the BBC, Rooney said he would accept the role without hesitation if offered. He made it clear that he is not asking for a job but would be open to helping if approached.
Carrick has previous experience as United’s interim manager. In 2021, he managed them for three matches after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was dismissed, winning two games and drawing one. He previously worked as an assistant coach under Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer. He left the club when Ralf Rangnick took over and later became manager of Middlesbrough, where he led them to the Championship play-offs.
Wayne Rooney left his recent coaching roles at Derby, DC United, Birmingham, and Plymouth by mutual agreement in December 2024.
FAQs
Q. Who has been appointed Manchester United’s interim manager?
A. Michael Carrick has been agreed upon as Manchester United’s interim manager.
Q. When is Michael Carrick expected to take charge of his first match?
A. Michael Carrick is expected to be in charge for the Manchester derby against Manchester City.
Q. What is Michael Carrick’s playing record at Manchester United?
A. Michael Carrick made 464 appearances, won five Premier League titles, and won one Champions League.
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