Michael Carrick is appointed Manchester United caretaker head coach until season end, with his first test a Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as caretaker head coach until the end of the season. The former United midfielder returns to the Old Trafford dugout following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim earlier this month. Carrick, 44, will take immediate charge of first team duties. His first match comes this weekend in the Premier League derby against Manchester City.
Carrick replaces Amorim, who was sacked on 5 January after 14 months in charge. Darren Fletcher had overseen two matches on an interim basis, including a league draw with Burnley and an FA Cup exit against Brighton. United sit seventh in the Premier League table, three points off the Champions League places. The club hierarchy opted for continuity and familiarity during a crucial stage of the campaign.
Carrick will be supported by an experienced backroom team. Former England assistant Steve Holland has been appointed as his number two. Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion and Jonny Evans also form part of the coaching staff. Fletcher will return to his role with the under 18s after his brief interim spell.
Holland brings international experience after working under Gareth Southgate with England. He also spent several years at Chelsea under multiple managers. Woodgate previously worked with Carrick at Middlesbrough and offers additional tactical support. Evans, who only left United last summer, provides recent dressing room knowledge.
Carrick is expected to move United away from Amorim’s three at the back system. He is likely to implement a 4-2-3-1 formation, similar to his approach at Middlesbrough. During his time there, Carrick favoured proactive pressing and controlled possession. United officials were impressed by his tactical clarity and hands on coaching style.
Carrick has already spoken about wanting positive and expressive football. He has also stressed the importance of results alongside entertainment. His familiarity with several squad members and the club’s culture is seen as a key advantage. Carrick previously worked with some of them during his spell as an assistant manager and caretaker manager at the club.
This is not Carrick’s first spell as caretaker at United. He took charge for three matches in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal. United beat Villarreal and Arsenal, then drew with Chelsea. That run included the notable decision to bench Cristiano Ronaldo at Stamford Bridge.
After leaving United, Carrick managed Middlesbrough for nearly three seasons. He oversaw 136 matches, winning 63 of them. Middlesbrough reached the Championship play offs in his first season. They later finished eighth and 10th before his departure in June 2025.
Carrick inherits a squad under pressure but still within reach of its main objectives. United have only the Premier League left to focus on after domestic cup exits. Players like Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo are expected to be central to Carrick’s plans. The return of Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty could also boost options.
Carrick will need to restore confidence quickly. His calm authority and knowledge of the club are viewed as stabilising factors. The reaction of the squad in the opening weeks will be closely watched.
United face a demanding run of fixtures. After hosting Manchester City, they travel to Arsenal on 25th January. Home games against Fulham and Tottenham follow in early February. An away trip to West Ham completes the next five league matches.
With Champions League qualification still attainable, the remainder of the season carries high stakes. Carrick’s brief is clear. Stabilise results, improve performances, and keep United competitive until a permanent appointment is made.
