Carrick takes charge at Manchester United

Manchester United on Tuesday appointed former midfielder Michael Carrick as head coach until the end of the season , following the sacking of Ruben Amorim last week.

The 43-year-old , who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League during a decorated playing career at Old Trafford , returns to the club where he also served as an assistant coach and enjoyed an unbeaten three-match spell as interim manager in 2021 .

Carrick was selected ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer , who was also interviewed for the role. Notably, United did not describe the appointment as interim , suggesting Carrick could come under consideration for the long-term position if he performs well in the 17 remaining matches .

“I know what it takes to succeed here,” Carrick said. “My focus is now on helping the players reach the standards expected at this incredible club .”

Carrick’s only full-time managerial experience came at Middlesbrough (2022–25) , where he failed to secure promotion to the Premier League . Former England assistant Steve Holland will be part of his coaching staff .

United are currently seventh in the Premier League and face the prospect of another trophyless season after their FA Cup exit to Brighton and an earlier League Cup defeat to fourth-tier Grimsby . Carrick’s immediate priority is to push for Champions League qualification .

He faces a tough start , with United set to host second-placed Manchester City on Saturday before travelling to league leaders Arsenal next weekend.

Amorim became the sixth permanent manager to be dismissed by United since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 , following David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag .

Director of football Jason Wilcox said Carrick “ knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United ” and is ready to lead the team through the remainder of the campaign.