Manchester United have turned to a familiar face in a bid to rescue their faltering season, appointing former midfielder and captain Michael Carrick as head coach until the end of the campaign. His immediate and paramount objective is clear: to secure Champions League qualification for the club.
A Familiar Face Takes the Reins
The appointment was confirmed on Tuesday 13 January 2026, following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim last week after a disappointing 14-month tenure. Carrick, who served as a first-team coach at Old Trafford, was handed the reins after beating out former favourites Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ruud van Nistelrooy for the short-term role.
Carrick inherits a team in seventh place in the Premier League, just three points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool, but facing the stark reality of a first season without European football since 2014-15. The task is to lift the squad from a trophyless and turbulent period into the coveted top four.
"I know what it takes to succeed here," said Carrick, a winner of multiple trophies during his 464 appearances for the club. "My focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club. I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here."
A Daunting Start and New Backroom Team
The 44-year-old's second spell in temporary charge begins with a formidable challenge. His first match will be the Manchester derby against City at Old Trafford on Saturday, followed by a trip to face league leaders Arsenal the following weekend.
Director of football Jason Wilcox, who led the search for Amorim's successor, stated that Carrick was the unanimous choice to steady the ship. "Michael is an excellent coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United," Wilcox said.
Together, Wilcox and Carrick have assembled a new-look coaching staff. They have brought in Steve Holland, Gareth Southgate's long-time assistant with England, and Jonathan Woodgate, who worked with Carrick at Middlesbrough. They are joined by Jonny Evans, under-21s coach Travis Binnion and goalkeeping coach Craig Mawson.
Fletcher Steps Back After Interim Duty
The appointment follows a brief interim period under Darren Fletcher, who stepped up from his role as under-18s lead coach. Fletcher oversaw a Premier League draw at Burnley and the FA Cup third-round exit to Brighton, after which he stressed the critical importance of securing Champions League football.
Highly regarded by the club's hierarchy, Fletcher has declined a place on Carrick's staff to return to his development role with the academy. United thanked him for his leadership during the transitional week.
Carrick, who was undefeated in a previous three-game caretaker stint in 2021 and later managed Middlesbrough, has now taken charge at Carrington. With the players returning from two days off, his work to salvage United's season and chase a top-four finish begins in earnest.
