Manchester United have appointed former midfielder Michael Carrick as caretaker head coach until the end of the 2025/26 season, moving quickly to stabilise the club after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. The club confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, with Carrick returning to the Old Trafford dugout in a lead role for the first time since his brief caretaker spell in 2021.
In United’s announcement, Carrick was credited with 464 appearances for the club and a trophy haul that includes five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League, among other major honours. “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour,” Carrick said, signalling an immediate focus on standards and performance in the run-in.
Reuters reported that United’s football leadership moved to install Carrick as an option that combines familiarity with the club’s culture and a low-disruption transition while the board evaluates longer-term plans. Director of football Jason Wilcox publicly backed Carrick’s “coaching expertise” and knowledge of what is required to succeed at United, as the club targets a strong finish to the campaign.
Carrick, 44, previously served as a first-team coach at United after retiring in 2018 and later managed Middlesbrough. His return comes at a turbulent moment on and off the pitch, with United seeking renewed consistency after an uneven season and a leadership change that followed internal tensions, according to reporting in recent days.
United’s backroom set-up is also being refreshed. The Guardian reported that Carrick will be joined by Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate, with Jonny Evans, Travis Binnion and others forming part of a strengthened coaching group. Separate reporting indicated Darren Fletcher—who had been handling interim duties—will return to his academy role.
Carrick is expected to take training imminently ahead of a high-pressure sequence of fixtures, with Reuters noting a Manchester derby at Old Trafford followed by a trip to face Arsenal. The immediate test will be whether Carrick can tighten performances, lift confidence, and keep United in contention for European qualification while the club decides on its longer-term managerial direction
