In a dramatic twist at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick has been appointed as Manchester United's interim manager until the end of the season, after a decisive intervention from the club's senior playing squad who rejected the potential return of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Player Power Seals Carrick's Appointment
The decision concludes a swift search for a new boss following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. While club legend Solskjaer, who managed United between 2018 and 2021, was interviewed twice and emerged as the initial favourite, his path to a sensational return was blocked by the current squad.
It is understood that a group of influential senior players approached club executives, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, to voice their opposition to Solskjaer's reappointment. The players expressed a clear lack of confidence in the Norwegian and instead advocated for Carrick to take the reins for the remainder of the campaign.
A Baptism of Fire Awaits at the Etihad
Carrick's appointment is set to be officially confirmed within the next 24 hours, with the 44-year-old expected to take his first training session on Wednesday. His return to the dugout promises an immediate and formidable challenge: a Premier League showdown with arch-rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this coming weekend.
The former England midfielder steps into a difficult situation, with United having won just one of their last seven matches across all competitions. This will be Carrick's second stint as interim boss at the club; he previously oversaw a three-game spell following Solskjaer's dismissal in 2021, winning two and drawing one of those fixtures before departing upon Ralf Rangnick's arrival.
From Boro Exit to Old Trafford Return
Carrick has been out of management since being dismissed by Championship side Middlesbrough in June. His tenure at the Riverside Stadium was a mixed affair; he led Boro to the play-offs in the 2022-23 season, only to suffer semi-final defeat to Coventry, before narrowly missing out on the top six in the subsequent two campaigns.
A revered figure at Manchester United, Carrick made 464 appearances for the club as a player, winning 18 major trophies including the 2008 Champions League. After retiring in 2018, he immediately joined Jose Mourinho's coaching staff and remained a first-team coach throughout Solskjaer's entire 168-game reign as manager.
The immediate caretaker role had been filled by under-18s coach Darren Fletcher for the past two games—a 2-2 Premier League draw with Burnley and a 2-1 FA Cup third-round defeat to Brighton. The baton now passes to Carrick, who faces the urgent task of stabilising the team and navigating a critical period in the club's season.
