Steve Holland to join Manchester United

Manchester United fans are bracing for a dramatic weekend as attention turns fully to the Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils’ training ground has been buzzing this week, with preparations under intense scrutiny ahead of a pivotal clash against Manchester City.

Players and coaching staff have been adapting quickly to tactical tweaks, with whispers about possible changes dominating fan forums and social media.

Old Trafford itself is filling up with anticipation, as supporters speculate over how the club will respond after a turbulent start to the year.

The atmosphere has been further intensified by news filtering through of major changes in the dugout, hinting at a fresh approach from the top.

Now, Michael Carrick will take charge as interim head coach following Ruben Amorim’s departure.

Carrick, a former United and England midfielder, agreed the deal on Monday night, with an official announcement expected after all paperwork is completed.

He will be joined by Steve Holland, the ex-England assistant manager, as his number two, adding a wealth of experience from both international and club football, as reported by the BBC.

Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, and Travis Binnion will complete Carrick’s coaching team, with Binnion already part of the club’s backroom staff.

Carrick is set to return to the Old Trafford dugout for Saturday’s crucial Premier League derby against Manchester City, a fixture that could define the early months of the campaign.

The 44-year-old has previous experience in an interim role, overseeing three games after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal in 2021, and his hands-on approach reportedly impressed United chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox during face-to-face talks last Thursday.

Steve Holland brings extensive coaching experience, having worked under Gareth Southgate with England and enjoyed years of success at Chelsea, while also having a brief managerial stint with Yokohama F Marinos in Japan.

Carrick plans to implement a 4-2-3-1 formation, moving away from the three-at-the-back system employed by Amorim, aiming to stabilise the squad and get immediate results.

Former United manager and player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also considered for the caretaker role, but Carrick’s more hands-on style ultimately won the backing of the hierarchy.

Darren Fletcher, who took temporary charge for the two matches following Amorim’s exit, will return to his previous role with the Under-18s.

Woodgate, who previously worked with Carrick at Middlesbrough, and Evans, returning to Old Trafford, complete a coaching team designed to blend experience, continuity, and tactical flexibility.

Carrick’s appointment signals a decisive step by United to regain stability and set a clear direction ahead of the critical derby clash and the busy months to follow.