Michael Carrick has been appointed Manchester United’s permanent head coach on a contract running until 2028, the club announced on Friday. The 44-year-old had been in interim charge since January, replacing Ruben Amorim, and has now been given the role full-time after guiding United back to the Champions League and securing a third-place Premier League finish.
Carrick, who spent 12 years as a player at Old Trafford and had a brief interim stint in 2021, said he felt “immense pride” at being given the responsibility. “From the moment I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United,” he said. “Now it’s time to move forward together again, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose.”
The former midfielder turned around the team’s fortunes after Amorim’s disappointing tenure, restoring morale and winning 11 of his 16 games in charge. Notable victories included back-to-back wins over league leaders Manchester City and Arsenal, as well as key results against Aston Villa and Liverpool.
Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, praised Carrick’s impact, stating that he “thoroughly earned the opportunity” and highlighted the “positive results and winning culture” he has built. The appointment was recommended by Wilcox and signed off by owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, after being tested against other candidates.
Carrick’s leadership has been well received in the dressing room, with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, whom he restored to the starting XI, saying he wanted “to die for him on the pitch”. Captain Bruno Fernandes has also flourished, equalling the Premier League assist record and winning the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award.
With United back in European competition, Carrick will oversee a congested schedule next season. The squad is expected to be strengthened, with a replacement for Casemiro understood to be a priority. Carrick’s appointment comes nearly a year after he was sacked by Middlesbrough.
