Michael Carrick's backroom staff at Manchester United have been officially confirmed on a permanent basis, with five coaches signing new contracts. Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, Travis Binnion and Craig Mawson have all committed their futures to the club, forming a stable coaching team around Carrick.
Carrick's Coaching Team Secured
The quintet have been integral to Carrick's tenure since he took over on an interim basis. When Carrick was named Premier League Manager of the Month in January, he praised his backroom staff for their contributions to the team's impressive run of form. The club is confident that the coaching staff offers a strong mix of skills and personalities, with those observing their work at Carrington noting a solid dynamic among them.
Key Roles and Contributions
Steve Holland, serving as assistant manager, has been a crucial figure for Carrick. The pair are frequently seen in dialogue during matches on the touchline, with Carrick describing Holland as a "very wise man." Holland previously worked as Gareth Southgate's assistant with the England national team, helping the Three Lions to third place at the 2018 World Cup and runners-up in consecutive European Championships. Before that, he spent several years at Chelsea, assisting managers including Jose Mourinho, Rafael Benitez, Roberto Di Matteo and Antonio Conte.
Jonathan Woodgate, a first-team coach, has been actively involved in training sessions alongside Carrick. His fluency in Spanish has helped him build rapport with Spanish-speaking players in the squad. Woodgate, along with Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion, has undertaken individual coaching with United's players. Woodgate and Evans have focused on the defensive unit, while Binnion has worked on attacking development.
Travis Binnion previously held the Under-21 manager role and was elevated to first-team duties when Darren Fletcher served as caretaker boss. His official title in the academy was 'head of player development and coaching' before his promotion. The 39-year-old has long served as a bridge between the first team and the academy, recommending which players are ready for senior training, but his responsibilities have expanded in recent months.
Craig Mawson has been retained as goalkeeper coach following Ruben Amorim's departure. The 47-year-old joined United in 2019 from Burnley, meaning he has worked under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag as well.
Impact on the Squad
The continuity of the coaching staff is expected to benefit Manchester United as they build on recent successes. With Carrick at the helm and a settled backroom team, the club aims to maintain its competitive edge in the Premier League and beyond.
