Michael Carrick Appointed Head Coach of Manchester United

Manchester United is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Carrick as Head Coach of the men’s first team, effective until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Carrick, a former player who made 464 appearances for the club, boasts a remarkable record, including five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups, a UEFA Champions League title, a UEFA Europa League title, and a FIFA Club World Cup. After retiring in 2018, he joined the First Team coaching staff, working under managers Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Following Solskjaer’s departure, Carrick successfully led the team as caretaker manager. He also served as Head Coach at Middlesbrough for two and a half years starting in October 2022.

Sources within the club have indicated that they were reluctant to change head coaches mid-season. However, recent results and concerns regarding the previous coach, Amorim, necessitated immediate action to enhance their chances of achieving their primary goal: qualifying for the Champions League.

Jason Wilcox, the Director of Football, who had a heated argument with Amorim just three days prior to his official dismissal, initiated the search for a coach to guide the team through the remainder of the season. This approach allows United ample time to conduct a thorough process in selecting a permanent successor. The club prioritized appointing someone familiar with the organization to minimize transition risks and consulted with other candidates, including Solskjaer and Ruud van Nistelrooy, before unanimously choosing Carrick.

Carrick expressed his sentiments on Manchester United’s official website: “It is an honor to lead Manchester United. I understand the requirements for success at this incredible club, and I am committed to helping our players achieve the standards expected of them. I have confidence in their talents and dedication. There is still much to strive for this season, and we are prepared to unite and deliver the performances our loyal fans deserve.”

Wilcox remarked, “Michael is an outstanding coach who fully understands what it takes to win at Manchester United. He is well-prepared to lead our talented and dedicated players for the remainder of the season as we aim for regular success.”

Carrick’s support staff will include former Chelsea and England assistant coach Steve Holland, along with Jonathan Woodgate, who assisted him at Middlesbrough. Additionally, former United defender Jonny Evans and existing staff members Travis Binnion and Craig Mawson will contribute to the coaching team.

Darren Fletcher, who temporarily managed the first team during the transition period, will return to his role as coach of the under-18 side. His performance during this period earned him considerable praise from the club.

In his first match back at the helm, Carrick faces a challenging encounter against Manchester City, followed by a visit to Arsenal. He will be bolstered by the return of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo to the squad, following their respective national teams’ exit from the Africa Cup of Nations, although Noussair Mazraoui remains in the tournament with Morocco.