Manchester United has officially announced the appointment of Michael Carrick as their new interim manager. Carrick, aged 44, has agreed to a contract until the end of the current season.
Former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also a contender for the position, with speculation suggesting Carrick could support him, as he had done from December 2018 to November 2021. However, United chose to overlook Solskjaer after senior players opposed his candidacy and instead opted for the ex-Middlesbrough boss, who is returning to Old Trafford after a four-year absence.
During his time at Boro, Carrick managed to secure a play-off finish in his first season but faced less successful campaigns in the following two years, leading to his dismissal in June last year.
After discussions with United CEO Omar Berrada and the club’s sporting director, Jason Wilcox, Carrick has been deemed the right individual to guide United forward. The decision to appoint an interim manager followed the recent sacking of Ruben Amorim.
“It is an honor to lead Manchester United. I am focused on helping the players achieve the high standards expected at this prestigious club, where I believe this group has the capability to excel,” Carrick expressed.
United will now commence a thorough search for a permanent successor to Amorim, with Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, and Mauricio Pochettino among the candidates being considered.
Carrick, who enjoyed a successful playing career with United, winning 17 trophies including five Premier League titles and one Champions League, retired in 2018 and swiftly transitioned into coaching. He will be facing a challenging start as United face rivals Manchester City in the Manchester derby on Saturday.
Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, praised Carrick’s coaching abilities and readiness to lead the team towards consistent success for the remainder of the season.