Manchester United have confirmed a significant reshuffle in their coaching staff, with Darren Fletcher deciding to return to his role with the Under-18s after a short stint in temporary charge of the first team.
Carrick Steps In as Interim Boss
Michael Carrick will now take over as interim head coach until the season's end, with his appointment confirmed on Tuesday. His first game at the helm will be the crucial Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Saturday. Carrick, who impressed chief executive Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox in talks last Thursday, will be joined by a familiar face from the international scene.
Former England assistant manager Steve Holland, 55, has been appointed as Carrick's number two. Holland, Gareth Southgate's long-time lieutenant, returns to the Premier League for the first time since his extensive spell at Chelsea. His most recent managerial position at Japanese club Yokohama F Marinos ended in April.
Fletcher's Brief Tenure and Decision
Darren Fletcher, 41, oversaw United's last two matches—a draw at Burnley and a defeat at Brighton. It was always understood his interim role would be limited to those two fixtures, as the club sought more experienced leadership for the remainder of the campaign.
Despite being offered the opportunity to remain on the first-team staff under the new interim setup, Fletcher has chosen to go back to his primary job as head coach of the Under-18s. He was never considered a serious candidate for the full-time role this season.
Expanded Backroom Team Takes Shape
Carrick and Holland will lead their first training session on Wednesday, supported by a broader coaching team. Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion, who assisted Fletcher during the last two games, will stay with the first-team set-up for the rest of the season. Evans was appointed as a first-team coach before the Burnley trip, while Binnion has been promoted from the academy.
They will be joined by former England defender Jonathan Woodgate, who served as Carrick's assistant during their time together at Middlesbrough. This new-look coaching group faces the immediate challenge of preparing for the weekend's high-stakes derby clash.
