Manchester United appoint Michael Carrick as head coach until the end of the season

Manchester United have appointed Michael Carrick as head coach until the end of the season, the club confirmed on Tuesday.

Carrick previously enjoyed a three-match unbeaten run as caretaker manager at Old Trafford in 2021.

Carrick made 464 appearances for United during his playing career, winning five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

The 44-year-old’s last managerial role was at Championship club Middlesbrough, where he was appointed in October 2022.

Carrick led Middlesbrough to the Championship play-offs in his first season in charge, but was sacked in June after the club finished 10th in the second tier.

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United were also in talks with former player and boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over a possible return to the club.

“It is an honor to have the responsibility of leading Manchester United,” Carrick told the club’s official website.

“I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus now is on helping the players achieve the standards we expect at this incredible club, which we know this group is more than capable of producing.

“I have worked with a number of players and have of course continued to follow the team closely over the years. I fully believe in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here.

“There is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to bring everyone together and give the fans the performance their loyal support deserves.”

Carrick is supported by Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, Jonny Evans and Craig Mawson.

The Red Devils fired Ruben Amorim last week after a dismal fourteen-month spell under the Portuguese coach.

Caretaker boss Darren Fletcher oversaw a 2-2 draw with Burnley in the Premier League and a 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup third round.

United’s exit from both domestic cup competitions at the first hurdle, plus a lack of European football, means they will play just 40 games this season – the lowest since the 1914/15 season.

The 20-time English champions are seventh in the Premier League, but just three points outside the top four and one point behind fifth-placed Brentford.

United host local rivals Manchester City on Saturday in what is likely to be Carrick’s first match in charge.

(import from AFP)

Published on January 14, 2026