Manchester United have confirmed Michael Carrick as their permanent head coach on a deal running until 2028, following an impressive interim spell since January. The 44-year-old replaced Ruben Amorim with the club languishing sixth in the Premier League and out of both cup competitions, but has since guided them back into the Champions League and secured a guaranteed third-place finish on the final day of the season.
Carrick, who spent 12 years as a player at United and had a brief interim stint in 2021, said: “From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United. Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride. Now it’s time to move forward together again, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose.”
United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, recommended Carrick’s appointment, which was signed off by owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family. Wilcox said: “Michael has thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue leading our men’s team. He has forged a strong bond with the players and can be proud of the winning culture at Carrington and in the dressing room.”
Carrick’s interim tenure featured victories over champions Manchester City and Arsenal, as well as key wins against Aston Villa and Liverpool, with a record of 11 wins and three draws from 16 matches in all competitions. He has also restored harmony in the dressing room, with players such as Kobbie Mainoo – who was ostracised under Amorim – saying he wanted “to die for him on the pitch”. Captain Bruno Fernandes has thrived, equalling the Premier League assist record and winning the Football Writers’ Player of the Year award.
The appointment comes just under a year after Carrick was sacked by Middlesbrough. With United back in European competition, he will face a congested schedule next season, and the squad is expected to be strengthened considerably, with a replacement for Casemiro high on the priority list.
