Manchester United appoint Michael Carrick as interim head coach until end of Premier League season – ‘A lot to fight for’

It is his second spell as the club’s interim boss, after a tenure that lasted just three matches in November 2021.

A spell of almost three years with Championship side Middlesbrough followed before his dismissal at the end of the 2024/25 season.

“Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour,” said Carrick.

“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.”

Carrick will be supported by Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, Jonny Evans and Craig Mawson.

Darren Fletcher, who briefly took charge of United’s Premier League draw at Burnley and FA Cup third-round defeat against Brighton, will return to his role as the club’s Under-18s lead coach.

Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, said: “Michael is an excellent coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United.

“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.”

Carrick won five Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, the Europa League, two FA Cups and two Carabao Cups during his time as a player at Old Trafford.

He worked as a first-team coach under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following his retirement in 2018, before his first spell as caretaker manager in 2021.

Carrick will be in the Old Trafford dugout for Saturday’s Manchester derby in the Premier League having got the nod over Solskjaer following talks with the club’s chief executive, Omar Berrada, and Wilcox.

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