Manchester United are poised for a significant week of announcements after Michael Carrick secured a deal to remain as permanent manager. The former midfielder was installed for the rest of the season following Ruben Amorim's January departure and has overseen a notable improvement, with United confirming Champions League football with three matches remaining.
Coaching Staff Futures
With the managerial question resolved, attention amongst supporters will likely shift to the summer transfer window, which could be an active period at United. While United have made considerable progress under Carrick, the squad clearly requires strengthening if they are to challenge for the title next season. Beyond new signings, there remains the significant matter of the coaching setup to finalise.
Carrick's backroom staff has featured Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, former United player Jonny Evans and goalkeeping coach Craig Mawson, with all four potentially remaining in post. Holland served 11 years as Sir Gareth Southgate's assistant manager, initially with England Under-21s before the senior side. He has received acclaim for his contributions as United's deputy.
Carrick said: "Steve's been fantastic. He's got an awful lot of experience and seen pretty much everything before. He's gone through it in some good times and in some more challenging times. He's a very wise man, Steve, and says things that really are important at the right time. I think just general calmness and composure around for everyone. I think with all the staff, there's the dynamics of bringing something a little bit different."
Jonny Evans Role
Evans has been another crucial figure in recent months. After hanging up his boots, Evans assumed the role of head of loans and pathways at Carrington, though the appointment proved brief as he stepped aside in December, only to return to assist Darren Fletcher during his caretaker spell. Carrick subsequently kept him within his coaching setup, lauding the Northern Irishman for his contributions on set-pieces. There are indications that a set-piece specialist, such as former United coach Andreas Georgson, could be recruited to enhance the group, though Evans is expected to stay.
Woodgate and Mawson
Ex-Leeds and Real Madrid defender Woodgate was brought in, having previously worked under Carrick at Middlesbrough. Carrick values having Woodgate present because he "challenges and pushes" him. Mawson, who originally arrived at United from Burnley in 2019, is the sole member of the coaching staff remaining from Amorim's tenure. He was elevated to senior goalkeeping coach following Carrick's appointment and is likely to continue in that capacity. The futures of all four could be confirmed shortly.
Elsewhere, it also remains unclear what position Travis Binnion will occupy going forward, having been promoted from the under-21s to work with the first team.
