Michael Carrick has been appointed interim head coach of Manchester United following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in charge. The 44-year-old, who previously served as caretaker manager in 2021, will lead the team for the remainder of the season, with the club currently seventh in the Premier League and trailing fourth place by three points.
Former United goalkeeper Ben Foster, who played alongside Carrick from 2006 to 2010, believes his former teammate's composed nature makes him the ideal candidate. Speaking on talkSPORT, Foster said: 'He is perfect for what they need right now. He's just nice and calm. He never gets too excited, never gets too carried away. He's the kind of person where you never really know what he's thinking, because he is so calm and he's always got it under control.'
Foster also highlighted the immense pressure at Old Trafford, describing it as 'the hardest club in the world to play for'. He added: 'I've seen Man United sign players who are nine out of ten ability wise, and as soon as they put that red shirt on, it turns them into a six out of ten. The weight of it is so, so heavy.'
Carrick's primary objective will be to secure Champions League qualification. His interim reign begins with the Manchester derby this Saturday, followed by 17 more Premier League fixtures. During his previous stint as caretaker in 2021, he led the team to an undefeated streak of two wins and a draw from three matches.
Carrick previously managed Middlesbrough, guiding them to the Championship play-offs in 2022/23 before being dismissed in June 2025 after finishes of eighth and tenth. His return to Old Trafford marks another chapter in his coaching career, with Foster confident his calm demeanour will earn respect from the squad.
