Michael Carrick Returns as Manchester United Head Coach

A breakfast meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson, Jason Wilcox, and Omar Berrada, held two days after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, paved the way for former Manchester United star Michael Carrick’s appointment as the club’s new head coach, which was officially announced on Tuesday evening. Carrick’s primary objective will be to guide the team towards stability and success for the remainder of the season.

Wilcox, the United director of football, alongside CEO Berrada, ended Amorim’s 14-month tenure due to a disappointing 38.1% win rate—the lowest of any United manager in the Premier League era—after a 1-1 draw against Leeds United on January 5. They appointed Under-18 coach Darren Fletcher as interim manager for a two-match period while seeking a more experienced candidate to lead the team until the summer. Ultimately, they chose Carrick, who had a decorated career at the club, winning five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy over 464 appearances.

Carrick was among a shortlist that included Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ruud van Nistelrooy, both of whom had brief spells as United’s interim coaches. Despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s decision to end Ferguson’s ambassadorial role at Old Trafford in October 2024, the club’s legendary manager was consulted during the search for a new head coach.

Sources indicate that Wilcox and Berrada sought Ferguson’s insights on the candidates, as he possesses unparalleled knowledge of the club and its former players. Although it remains unclear if Ferguson directly endorsed Carrick, an external source confirmed that the 84-year-old was enthusiastic about Carrick’s appointment.

Wilcox reached out to Carrick, Solskjaer, and Van Nistelrooy on January 6, a day after Amorim’s contract was terminated, engaging in in-depth discussions about their plans to rejuvenate the team. While Carrick and Solskjaer met in person, Van Nistelrooy participated via video conference, having previously worked under Erik ten Hag before taking charge for four games in October 2024.

With half a season left and a goal of securing a top-four finish for European qualification, Wilcox and Berrada opted for an interim solution to allow time for a thorough search for a permanent coach in the summer. This choice reflects a desire to bring in someone familiar with United’s culture to minimize the adaptation period.

Carrick’s selection was unanimous among the decision-makers, who valued his leadership qualities and familiarity with the club. “Michael stood out as a smart, young coach who is not overawed by the environment,” a United source stated. Carrick’s hands-on coaching style is expected to resonate well with the players, having previously been an effective assistant to Solskjaer from 2018 to 2021.

While the competition for the position was close, particularly with Solskjaer, the latter handled the news with grace. Carrick’s appointment marked a significant transition for the club, which has undergone a coaching overhaul, yet the pressure to deliver results lies squarely on his shoulders.

Despite his calm demeanor, Carrick has demonstrated resilience in the past, including notable decisions such as benching star players Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo during his previous interim tenure. His boldness will be crucial as he attempts to lead United to a Champions League berth.

With challenging fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal on the horizon, Carrick has a formidable task ahead. Although he has not made promises about a permanent role, success in these initial matches could lead to calls for him to remain long-term.

For someone who has expressed a passion for Formula One, Carrick finds himself in a high-pressure environment akin to racing. While the current state of the team resembles a car in need of repair, he is now at the helm, tasked with steering Manchester United back on course.