Michael Carrick has emerged as the leading contender for the interim manager role at Manchester United, four years after he stepped down as caretaker and declined to work alongside Ralf Rangnick. The former midfielder impressed during his interview and is expected to be formally announced within the next 48 hours, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also having been considered.
Carrick remains hugely popular among United fans, who are planning protests against the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe before the Fulham match. His previous caretaker stint saw wins against Villarreal and Arsenal, and a draw with Chelsea. He declined Rangnick's offer to stay on as part of the coaching staff, partly out of loyalty to Solskjaer, a decision he described as '100% my decision.'
After leaving United, Carrick took charge of Middlesbrough, guiding them to the play-offs in 2022/23 before being sacked in June 2025 following eighth and tenth place finishes. He worked with limited resources at the Championship club, and his tenure was seen as having run its course.
If appointed, Carrick's first game would be against Manchester City, followed by a trip to Arsenal. United have already exited the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, and face a battle to secure Champions League football. Carrick is known for making big decisions, having dropped Cristiano Ronaldo at Stamford Bridge in December 2021, a move he downplayed as 'not a major decision.'
