Carrick Set to Lead Manchester United as Interim Manager with Promising Changes Ahead

The uncertainty surrounding the managerial position at Old Trafford is expected to conclude on Tuesday, as Michael Carrick is poised to be announced as the club’s new interim manager.

The former midfielder has reportedly reached an agreement to lead the team for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, having impressed the club’s hierarchy during the interview process, surpassing fellow legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

In a departure from typical interim appointments, where managers often have to manage with what they have, Carrick is returning to Manchester with assurances of immediate financial support. The club’s decision-makers have recognized the midfield as a critical area needing improvement and are prepared to authorize a permanent transfer for Ruben Neves this month, ensuring the new manager has the resources required to aim for a top-four finish.

Neves, the former captain of Wolves and currently playing for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, is at the top of the wishlist. His ability to control play and dictate the tempo of matches has long been admired at Old Trafford—qualities that have been sorely missed this season.

According to reports from The Guardian, Neves would command a fee in the vicinity of £20 million, a calculated risk that the board is willing to take. Even with Carrick’s interim status, the recruitment team views Neves as a long-term investment that aligns with the club’s broader strategy. If the deal materializes, funds are readily available, indicating that INEOS is not giving up on the season, despite recent cup exits.

Carrick will not return to Carrington alone; as part of his appointment, he is set to bring Jonathan Woodgate onto his coaching staff. The two formed a successful partnership during Carrick’s tenure as Middlesbrough manager from 2022 to 2025, overseeing 136 matches together. Woodgate’s defensive expertise will be crucial in strengthening a backline that has appeared vulnerable in recent weeks.

Darren Fletcher will also receive a reprieve. The former technical director, who stepped in to manage recent matches against Burnley and Brighton following the dismissal of Amorim, will be offered the chance to remain part of the coaching structure. Fletcher’s understanding of the current squad dynamics is seen as essential for facilitating the transition during this period.

Carrick’s appointment is grounded in more than just nostalgia; his previous stint as caretaker in 2021 is a highlight for supporters. After stepping in following Solskjaer’s dismissal, he remained unbeaten in three challenging fixtures, securing a crucial Champions League win over Villarreal, a draw at Chelsea, and a 3-2 victory against Arsenal at Old Trafford.

He departed when Ralf Rangnick took over, but his subsequent experience in the Championship with Middlesbrough showcased his development as a coach. Now, he returns with a defined objective: to close the three-point gap to Liverpool in fourth place and secure Champions League qualification.

The urgency for transfer activity is amplified by a demanding schedule. Carrick’s second debut in the dugout will be a trial by fire, commencing with the Manchester derby against City at Old Trafford on Saturday. This will quickly be followed by a trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal, leaving the new manager little time to implement his strategies on the training ground.

His immediate priority will be to uplift a squad demoralized by Sunday’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton, which confirmed that United will play only 40 matches this season—their lowest total in a complete campaign since 1914-15. With cup competitions behind them, the sole focus now shifts to the Premier League, with hopes that Carrick’s arrival, potentially coupled with Neves’ signing, can provide the necessary impetus to save the season from total decline.