Michael Carrick officially announced as Manchester United caretaker manager

Manchester United have made their decision of their short-term manager for the rest of the Premier League campaign, as Michael Carrick returns to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have been looking at both Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the potential candidates to take over from Ruben Amorim after his sacking last week.

In the interim, Darren Fletcher has been trusted to lead the first team, with a draw to relegation side Burnley, and an FA Cup defeat to Brighton.

Now, Carrick has pipped Solskjaer to the post, with the former midfielder set to take charge in time for the Manchester Derby.

It’s understood that while Solskjaer was looking for a potential long-term return as permanent manager, Carrick is committed to the short-term role.

United’s new caretaker manager will purely be seeing the Red Devils to the end of the season in their hunt for a top-five finish, qualifying for European football.

Now, taking to their official website, Manchester United confirmed: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Carrick as head coach of the men’s first team until the end of the 2025/26 season.

“Carrick played 464 games for the club, winning five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

“He joined the first-team coaching staff when he retired in 2018 and served under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Following Solskjaer’s departure, Carrick led the club with distinction during his role as caretaker manager.

“The former England international was head coach at Middlesbrough for two-and-a-half years from October 2022.”

Speaking for the first time as he returns as United manager, Michael Carrick commented: “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour.”

He continued: “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, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing.

“I have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years, I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here.

“There is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves.”

Adding to his appintment, Jason Wilcox, director of football, commented: “Michael is an excellent coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United.”

He continued: “He is ready to lead our talented and determined group of players for the remainder of the season as we continue to build the club towards regular and sustained success.”