Manchester United are poised to turn to a familiar face as they navigate another period of managerial transition. Following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim after just 14 months, and a brief interim spell under Darren Fletcher, the club is set to appoint former midfield stalwart Michael Carrick as caretaker boss.
From Riverside to Carrington: Carrick's Managerial CV
Carrick was spotted arriving at United's Carrington training base on Tuesday morning, with the club aiming to confirm his appointment before the squad returns to training on Wednesday. His only senior managerial experience to date came at Championship side Middlesbrough, where he spent two-and-a-half years before his dismissal in June 2025.
Teesside Live journalist Craig Johns, who closely covered Carrick's tenure, provided insight into his arrival at a struggling Boro side in late 2022. "Boro had a decent squad for the division but sat 21st after a poor start under a disillusioned Chris Wilder," Johns told the Manchester Evening News. "The players were very short on confidence. Hiring Carrick felt like a risk... a big risk to hire a young coach for his first job."
Despite initial concerns, fans quickly rallied behind him, and Carrick engineered a remarkable turnaround, guiding Boro from 21st to a fourth-place finish and the play-offs in the 2022/2023 season.
The Carrick Philosophy: Possession, Patterns, and Predictability
So, what tactical approach will Carrick bring to Old Trafford? In contrast to Amorim's rigid 3-4-3, Carrick's Middlesbrough played a distinct brand of football. "Carrick played a possession-based style," Johns explained. "It focused on playing out from the back and progressing through the pitch."
His preferred formation was generally a 4-2-3-1, with specific positional instructions. The number 10 acted as a link player, while the left-sided forward was given freedom to roam inside, creating space for the overlapping left-back. On the opposite flank, the right-back would often sit deeper to form a back three, providing security against counter-attacks.
When it worked, it was effective and attractive. "When the quality was there... it was a really attractive brand that delivered results and plenty of goals," said Johns. However, a key criticism emerged: "At times it was a little too slow and predictable. Towards the end, teams found it too easy to get men behind the ball, limit space and frustrate Boro."
Man-Manager vs. In-Game Tactician: The Strengths and Weaknesses
Carrick's time at the Riverside highlighted clear strengths and a significant weakness. His man-management and player development were consistently praised. "He improved numerous players," Johns noted. "His calm and warming demeanour saw players quickly regain their confidence." Most players regarded him as an excellent man-manager, a skill that will be crucial in handling a star-studded United dressing room.
However, his in-game management was a notable flaw and contributed to his eventual departure. "Particularly concerning was the amount of times Boro led in games only to throw it away in second halves," Johns revealed. "In-game management was seen as a particular weakness. He was reactive rather than proactive, and often too late. They dropped so many points from winning positions."
Why This Appointment Could Work for Manchester United
Despite the mixed spell at Middlesbrough, Johns believes the caretaker role at United could be a good fit for Carrick at this moment. "For what Manchester United want in this moment, I actually think it's an appointment that could work," he said.
Several factors are in Carrick's favour. His deep understanding of the club's culture and the 'United way' is something Amorim was perceived to lack. He has already worked with several current players and commands respect. Furthermore, his empathetic, arm-around-the-shoulder approach could provide a vital confidence boost after a difficult period.
"If he can deliver the same kind of uplift he did when first arriving at Boro, it'll be exactly what Manchester United need until the end of the season," Johns concluded, while also noting that the criticisms of his Boro tenure must be nuanced by the fact it was his first head coach role.
As Manchester United prepares for this latest chapter, they will hope Carrick's strengths as a developer of talent and a unifying figure can provide immediate stability, while his tactical ideas offer a foundation for the remainder of the campaign.
