In a dramatic twist at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick has been appointed as Manchester United's interim manager until the end of the season, following a decisive intervention from the club's senior playing squad.
Player Power Seals Carrick's Return
The move comes after the club's initial plan to bring back former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was effectively vetoed by a group of influential first-team stars. Solskjaer, who managed United for 168 games between 2018 and 2021, had been the favourite to replace the sacked Ruben Amorim and was interviewed twice for the interim role.
However, key players approached club executives to express their lack of confidence in a Solskjaer comeback, instead making it clear they preferred Carrick to lead the team for the remainder of the campaign. This player-led interjection proved pivotal in the final decision.
A Baptism of Fire Awaits
Carrick's appointment, led by chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, is set to be confirmed within 24 hours. The 44-year-old is expected to take his first training session on Wednesday, ahead of a daunting debut fixture.
His first match in charge will be a crucial Manchester derby against rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford this weekend. He inherits a team in poor form, with United having won just one of their last seven matches in all competitions.
Carrick's United Pedigree and Recent Record
This will be Carrick's second stint as interim boss at the club. He previously took charge for three games following Solskjaer's dismissal in 2021, winning two and drawing one before departing upon Ralf Rangnick's arrival.
A legendary figure as a player, Carrick made 464 appearances for United, winning 18 major trophies including the 2008 Champions League. He moved into coaching at the club under Jose Mourinho after retiring in 2018 and remained a first-team coach throughout Solskjaer's tenure.
Most recently, Carrick was manager of Championship side Middlesbrough. He led them to the play-offs in the 2022-23 season, but after narrowly missing out on the top six in successive campaigns, he was sacked in June 2025 and has been out of work since.
In the immediate aftermath of Amorim's sacking, under-18s coach Darren Fletcher has been in temporary charge, overseeing a 2-2 Premier League draw with Burnley and a 2-1 FA Cup third-round defeat to Brighton.
