Manchester United have officially named Michael Carrick as their new permanent manager, with the 44-year-old signing a contract until 2028 that includes an option for an additional year. This decision follows an impressive interim spell during which Carrick turned the club's season around after the sacking of Ruben Amorim in January.
Impressive Interim Record
Carrick won 11 of his 16 matches as interim manager, guiding United to a dramatic upturn in form. The team secured Champions League qualification for the first time in three years, clinching third place with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Sunday. Notable wins against Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Liverpool made Carrick the clear favourite for the full-time role.
Decision-Making Process
United officials considered other candidates, including Unai Emery and Andoni Iraola, but ultimately opted for their former midfielder, who won 18 major trophies during his 12-year playing career at Old Trafford. CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox jointly recommended Carrick's appointment to the club's hierarchy. Part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe leads football decisions, though the Glazer family retains final approval.
Although reports of Carrick's appointment had circulated for days, United waited before making an official announcement. Carrick has already been involved in recruitment meetings as preparations for the summer transfer window begin. Players and staff have expressed support for his permanent role.
Previous Experience
Carrick's only prior managerial role was at Middlesbrough, where he spent two-and-a-half years. He also worked as a first-team coach at United under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from 2018 to 2021. When he returned in January, United were seventh in the Premier League and had won just one of their last seven games across all competitions. After Amorim's sacking, Darren Fletcher took caretaker charge for two matches before Carrick assumed control.
Carrick won his first four fixtures, boosting United's Champions League hopes. The team sealed their place in Europe's elite competition with three games to spare, highlighted by a 3-2 home victory over Liverpool earlier this month.
