In a dramatic twist at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick is poised to take the managerial reins at Manchester United for a second time. The former midfielder has reportedly seen off competition from club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to secure the interim position until the conclusion of the current campaign.
Carrick's Road Back to the United Hotseat
Following discussions over the weekend, Solskjaer is understood to have fallen out of contention for the temporary role. This development has paved the way for Carrick's remarkable return to top-flight management, mere months after his departure from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2025.
This appointment marks a homecoming for the 43-year-old, who served as a first-team coach at United after hanging up his boots. He previously held the caretaker manager title for a brief but memorable spell in November 2021, stepping in after Solskjaer's dismissal.
A Glimpse at Carrick's First Stint in Charge
Appointed on a temporary basis on 21 November 2021, Carrick enjoyed a dream start to his first tenure. He masterminded a crucial 2-0 away victory against Villarreal in the Champions League, with late goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho sealing the win.
His first Premier League test came against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Sancho was again on the scoresheet, giving United the lead before a Jorginho penalty ensured the points were shared. The result left the Red Devils in eighth position in the table.
The Memorable Arsenal Farewell
Carrick's third and final match in charge proved to be his most impressive. Despite it being announced that Ralf Rangnick would succeed him as interim boss, Carrick remained in the dugout for a thrilling clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford.
United staged a magnificent comeback to win 3-2. After falling behind to an Emile Smith Rowe strike, Bruno Fernandes equalised just before half-time. Cristiano Ronaldo then put United ahead, only for Martin Odegaard to level shortly after. The Portuguese superstar had the final say, however, netting the winner to give Carrick a perfect send-off.
Reflecting on that initial experience, Carrick said: "I've had to certainly adapt and take on a new challenge... I've enjoyed seeing how I've coped with that at times. You don't know until you're in that situation and you have to learn on the job."
What Comes Next for United and Carrick?
After his caretaker spell concluded, Carrick took a ten-month break from football before embarking on a successful period with Middlesbrough. He guided the Championship side to the playoffs and a Carabao Cup semi-final before his exit in June 2025.
Now, he returns to the theatre of dreams with the task of steadying the ship until the end of the season. Based on his previous three-game record of two wins and a draw, the United hierarchy will be hoping he can replicate that positive impact and bring immediate stability back to Old Trafford.
