Michael Carrick has been appointed Manchester United interim head coach until the end of the 2025/26 season, with the former captain confirmed on Tuesday. The 44-year-old steps in as United sit seventh
in the Premier League, three points from the Champions League positions, and will debut against Manchester City on Saturday.
Carrick moves into the role after Darren Fletcher’s short spell as caretaker coach. Fletcher managed a 2-2 league draw with Burnley and an FA Cup third-round defeat to Brighton, stabilising the squad following the change in technical leadership but failing to progress in the domestic cup.
Ruben Amorim’s dismissal earlier this month opened the way for Carrick’s promotion. Amorim lost the job after post-match remarks, made following a 1-1 draw with Leeds United, were viewed as criticism of the Manchester United hierarchy. The comments placed Amorim’s future under scrutiny and the club moved to act soon after.
Carrick was chosen ahead of former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, emerging as the board’s preferred option. Manchester United turned to a familiar figure who understood the squad and club structure, with Carrick already well known at Old Trafford from a long playing spell and previous coaching work.
Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour, Carrick told the club's official website.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, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing. I have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years. I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here. 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.
Michael Carrick is back Our former captain is our Head Coach for the remainder of 2025/26Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 13, 2026
Across 12 seasons as a Manchester United player, Carrick collected 12 major trophies and made 464 appearances. The midfielder became a key figure under several managers at Old Trafford. That long spell created familiarity with the club’s expectations, culture and pressures, which now shape the approach taken into this interim head coach position.
Michael Carrick Manchester United experience and previous caretaker spell
After retiring, Carrick joined the Manchester United coaching staff during Solskjaer’s tenure. Carrick then stepped up as caretaker manager in November 2021 after Solskjaer departed. During that brief run, Carrick guided the side through three matches in all competitions, recording two victories and one draw before leaving the first-team coaching group.
Michael Carrick Manchester United link through Middlesbrough record
Carrick gained full-time managerial experience at Middlesbrough between October 2022 and June 2025. That spell covered 136 competitive fixtures, with 63 wins, 24 draws and 49 losses, giving a 46.3% win rate. Middlesbrough reached the Championship play-offs in Carrick’s first season, then finished eighth and 10th, with the latter position leading to Carrick’s departure.
The appointment places Carrick at the centre of a crucial phase for Manchester United’s season. With Champions League qualification still within reach and domestic momentum needed, the interim coach must quickly translate past experience at Old Trafford and Middlesbrough into consistent performances, while uniting a squad that has already worked with several voices this campaign.
