In a surprising twist, Manchester United have turned to a familiar face to steady the ship, reaching a verbal agreement for Michael Carrick to take interim charge of the first team for the remainder of the season. This marks the former United midfielder's second spell as a caretaker at Old Trafford, following a brief stint in 2021.
From Riverside Exit to Old Trafford Return
The appointment represents a dramatic shift in fortunes for Carrick, who was sacked by Championship side Middlesbrough last summer. His journey back to the United dugout is unexpected, considering the previous managerial departures from Middlesbrough did not typically lead to one of the biggest jobs in football.
Carrick, known for his composed and cerebral style as a player, impressed director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada in an interview last Thursday. His profile presents a stark contrast to other candidates, offering a less charismatic, less explosive alternative to figures like Ruben Amorim, which appears to have worked in his favour for this specific role.
A Proven Interim and a New-Look Coaching Team
United will draw encouragement from Carrick's previous interim spell in November 2021. After Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking, he had a galvanising effect, overseeing wins against Villarreal and Arsenal and a draw at Chelsea. Notably, he demonstrated his independence by benching former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Stamford Bridge.
His coaching staff blends continuity with new expertise. While Darren Fletcher has stepped back to the Under-18s, Carrick will be joined by Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans in the technical area. The most significant addition is Steve Holland, the highly-regarded former England assistant manager, whose arrival is seen as a major coup for his coaching acumen. The club insists this is not a precursor to appointing Gareth Southgate.
The Challenge Ahead and Middlesbrough Legacy
Carrick's task is immense, starting with a daunting Manchester derby followed by a trip to league leaders Arsenal. His time at Middlesbrough was a mixed bag: an initial surge to the play-offs was followed by two seasons finishing eighth and tenth, with some fans criticising predictable tactics. However, he operated under significant player sales, making the club money while constantly rebuilding.
With 17 Premier League games remaining, United will hope Carrick can replicate his fast start at Boro, where he won 12 of his first 17 matches. A similar run for a United side that has won only 12 of its last 37 could see history repeat itself, building pressure to give him the job permanently. For now, the man first brought to the club by Sir Alex Ferguson is once again the chosen figure to restore composure and fine decision-making at Old Trafford.
