Manchester United have confirmed a significant reshuffle in their coaching staff, with Michael Carrick appointed interim head coach until the end of the season. The move comes after Darren Fletcher, who oversaw the last two matches, opted to return to his role with the club's Under-18s.
Carrick's Interim Appointment Confirmed
The club confirmed Carrick's interim appointment on Tuesday, with the former England midfielder taking training for the first time on Wednesday. He will be joined by a notable assistant, Steve Holland, the 55-year-old who was Gareth Southgate's key lieutenant with the England national team.
Holland returns to the Premier League for the first time since a long spell at Chelsea. His most recent managerial position ended in April when he was dismissed by Japanese side Yokohama F Marinos.
Fletcher's Decision and New Backroom Team
Darren Fletcher, 41, was aware his interim spell in charge would last only two games—a draw at Burnley and a defeat at Brighton. He was offered the chance to remain on the first-team staff under Carrick but has chosen to go back to the Under-18s for the remainder of the campaign.
Carrick's backroom staff will also include Jonny Evans, Jonathan Woodgate, and Travis Binnion. Evans and Binnion assisted Fletcher in the last two games, while Woodgate, the former Leeds and Newcastle defender, was Carrick's assistant at Middlesbrough. Binnion has been promoted from the academy and will stay with the senior set-up.
Looking Ahead to the Manchester Derby
Carrick emerged as the frontrunner for the interim role after impressing chief executive Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox in face-to-face talks last Thursday. His first match in the dugout will be the high-profile Manchester derby against City at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The club's hierarchy sought experience for the final part of the season, which led to Carrick's appointment and the recruitment of Holland, signalling a clear intent to stabilise the campaign.
