Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as their manager until the end of the season, a move praised by pundit Micah Richards, though he has immediately highlighted a potential future headache for the club.
The Interim Appointment and the Potential Conundrum
United officially announced the return of their former midfielder on Tuesday, 14th of January 2026, with Carrick taking over from the departed Ruben Amorim. His remit is clear: to steer the team through the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign before making way for a permanent successor in the summer.
Names like England manager Thomas Tuchel, alongside Carlo Ancelotti and Mauricio Pochettino, are already being touted as long-term candidates. However, speaking on Sky Sports, Richards pointed out a significant complication that could arise.
"The only question I would have is what happens if he goes on a really good run?" Richards stated. He noted the specific situation with Tuchel's contract running until after the World Cup, but emphasised that a strong performance from Carrick would present the United hierarchy with a fresh and difficult choice.
Immediate Targets and the Uphill Battle
The club's hierarchy has reportedly communicated a clear objective to the playing squad: secure qualification for the Champions League. Currently, United sit in seventh place in the Premier League table, but they remain within striking distance, just three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
Richards endorsed the short-term logic of the appointment, citing the need for a new voice after a dip in confidence. "In terms of the here and right now, I think it's a good appointment," he said. "Obviously the confidence looks really low at the moment. A new manager, a new bounce... In terms of what they need right now, I think he's a good fit."
Carrick's Confidence and the Manchester Derby Test
Carrick, who previously managed Middlesbrough, expressed his honour at returning to lead the club. In his first interview, he struck a confident tone about the squad's ability. "I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club," Carrick said.
He added: "I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here. There is still a lot to fight for this season." His second stint in charge begins with a monumental challenge this weekend: a Manchester derby against rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.
While the immediate focus is on climbing the table, Richards' warning lingers. Should Carrick mastermind a dramatic turnaround and achieve the top-four target, United's planned summer search for a big-name permanent manager could become a far more complex and debated decision.
