Manchester United have officially turned to a familiar face, confirming Michael Carrick as their new interim manager until the end of the season.
The 44-year-old former midfielder returns to Old Trafford four years after leaving the club, stepping into the role following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim last week. While ex-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also considered, the club ultimately decided against a reunion, reportedly after senior players opposed the idea.
United instead placed their trust in Carrick, who previously worked alongside Solskjaer between 2018 and 2021.
Carrick’s most recent managerial spell came at Middlesbrough, where he impressed early on by guiding the club to a play-off finish in his first season. However, the momentum faded in the following campaigns, and he was dismissed last June.
Despite that, talks with chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox convinced United that Carrick was the right steady hand to lead the team through the remainder of the campaign.
Speaking after his appointment, Carrick made it clear just how much the role means to him.
“Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour,” he said.
“I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players reach the standards we expect at this incredible club.
I’ve worked with a number of the players already and followed the team closely in recent years. I have total belief in their talent, dedication, and ability to be successful.
There’s still a lot to fight for this season, and we’re ready to pull together and give the fans performances their loyalty deserves.”
Amorim’s exit after just 14 months followed a turbulent festive period, highlighted by a breakdown in his relationship with Wilcox. With the interim role now settled, United will shift focus toward appointing a permanent manager, with Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, and Mauricio Pochettino all reportedly on the shortlist.
As a player, Carrick’s legacy at United is already secure. Over a glittering 12-year spell, he won 17 trophies, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League, completing a full set of major club honours with the FA Cup win in 2016.
Now, he returns not as the metronome in midfield—but as the man tasked with steadying the ship and restoring belief from the dugout.