Manchester United have appointed Michael Carrick as their head coach for the rest of the season, the club confirmed. The former United captain was the unanimous choice to replace interim Darren Fletcher and the sacked Ruben Amorim.
Carrick, 44, will be in charge for the next 17 games after impressing director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada in an interview. He agreed a verbal deal on Monday. United also considered Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but opted for a continuity candidate familiar with the club.
Carrick said: “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour. I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club.”
He will be joined by former England assistant Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, ex-United defender Jonny Evans, Under-21s coach Travis Binnion, and Craig Mawson. His first match in charge is Saturday’s Manchester derby.
Carrick made 464 appearances for United, winning five Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League. He had three games as caretaker in 2021, winning two and drawing one, and later managed Middlesbrough, reaching the Championship play-offs in 2023 before being sacked last summer.
Fletcher, who was in charge for two games, returns to his role with the Under-18s. Wilcox said: “Michael is an excellent coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United.”
