Manchester United Appoints Michael Carrick as Head Coach Until Season’s End

Michael Carrick Takes Charge as Manchester United Interim Head Coach

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Rajan Mhatre

Last Updated: 2026-01-14 06:52:21

Summary: Former midfielder Michael Carrick takes charge of Man United as interim head coach.

Manchester United have named Michael Carrick as their head coach until the end of the 2025–26 season, in a bid to steady the club’s turbulent campaign.

Carrick, a former England midfielder and club star, returns to the Old Trafford dugout less than two weeks after the dismissal of manager Ruben Amorim. The decision came as United’s results dipped and fans clamoured for a turnaround.

The 44-year-old is no stranger to the role. He formerly worked on United's coaching staff and briefly served as caretaker manager in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left. Carrick left United to manage Middlesbrough for over two years before parting ways in mid-2025.

In the club’s official announcement, Carrick said he felt “honoured” to lead the team and expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to compete for results this season. United director of football Jason Wilcox echoed that sentiment, praising Carrick’s understanding of the club and his leadership qualities.

United are 7th in the Premier League, with a difficult schedule ahead, beginning with the Manchester derby at Old Trafford this weekend. With cup competitions behind them, a strong league finish is now their major goal.

Carrick’s appointment aims to bring stability and unity as the club pushes toward European qualification and regains momentum in a campaign that has fallen short of pre-season expectations.

Fans and analysts will be keeping a careful eye on Carrick as he begins working with his backroom team this week, hoping that his strong ties to the club can ignite a rebirth.