Michael Carrick set to return as Manchester United interim head coach
Michael Carrick has been photographed entering Manchester United’s Carrington training facility on Tuesday morning. The 44-year-old is understood to have secured an agreement in principle with the club to take charge until the conclusion of the current campaign, reports BritPanorama.
Confirmation of his appointment as interim head coach is anticipated later today. Carrick emerged as the preferred candidate following face-to-face discussions with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox last Thursday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also considered for the position. Final approval from Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is still required before any official statement can be released. The composition of Carrick’s backroom staff has been a key focus of negotiations.
Former England assistant manager Steve Holland is set to serve as Carrick’s number two, according to BBC Sport. Jonathan Woodgate, who worked alongside Carrick during his tenure at Middlesbrough, is expected to join the setup, as is former United defender Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion. The new coaching team will hold their first session with the squad on Wednesday, after players were given Tuesday off.
Carrick’s return to the dugout will commence with Saturday’s Manchester derby against City, a fixture that carries significant weight for both clubs. The match represents a challenging opener, with Pep Guardiola’s side desperate for three points after a sequence of draws allowed table-toppers Arsenal to extend their advantage. United then face a trip to the league leaders, Arsenal, the following week.
Carrick previously took temporary charge at Old Trafford following Solskjaer’s dismissal in November 2021. He secured victories over Villarreal and Arsenal while drawing with Chelsea before stepping aside ahead of Ralf Rangnick’s arrival.
The Wallsend-born coach transitioned seamlessly from player to staff member at United, initially joining Jose Mourinho’s backroom team upon hanging up his boots at the conclusion of the 2017/18 campaign. He subsequently remained on the coaching staff throughout Solskjaer’s 168-game reign as permanent manager. Carrick’s sole permanent managerial position came with Middlesbrough, where he spent two and a half years at the helm before being dismissed last June.
As he embarks on this renewed chapter with Manchester United, Carrick’s journey is a reminder that in football, the past never quite leaves you, nor does it guarantee a future. The balance between legacy and the present challenge will weigh heavily on his tenure.
