Crisis-hit Premier League giants Manchester United have chosen Michael Carrick as head coach until the end of the season.
As the club announced on Tuesday evening, the former United professional replaces the previous interim solution Darren Fletcher, who took over for two games after team manager Ruben Amorim was eliminated and, in addition to a 2-2 draw at Burnley FC, was also responsible for the FA Cup exit against Brighton & Hove Albion (1-2).
Carrick previously head coach of Middlesborough
Carrick, who appeared on the pitch 464 times for the Red Devils in twelve years as a player, worked as an assistant coach for the 20-time English champions under José Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from 2018 to 2021. He then sat on the bench as head coach at second division FC Middlesbrough for almost three years, where he was fired in 10th place at the end of the season in 2025.
“Being responsible for Manchester United is an honor“Carrick is quoted as saying: “I know what it takes to be successful here. My focus now is on helping the players achieve the standards we expect from this incredible club and which we know this team is more than capable of achieving.”
Fewer games than in 111 seasons
A delicate undertaking awaits the 44-year-old at his former club: at the very beginning of his term in office, the city derby against Manchester City on Saturday (1.30 p.m./Sky) and the guest appearance at leaders Arsenal FC on January 25th are probably the most difficult tasks in the league. United, who have already failed at the opening hurdle in both national cup competitions for the first time since 1982, will only play 40 games this season due to the additional lack of a European Cup – fewer than they have had in 111 seasons.
The Red Devils have only won one of the last seven games. Before the 22nd matchday, the lucrative Champions League qualification with seventh place – three points behind Liverpool FC in fourth place – is still within reach.