Michael Carrick Steps Up as Manchester United's Interim Manager
Manchester United has made a swift managerial change. The club confirmed on Tuesday that Michael Carrick will take charge as interim manager for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. This appointment follows the sudden exit of Ruben Amorim in early January.
Immediate Takeover Ahead of Crucial Derby
Carrick and his chosen coaching staff assume control with immediate effect. Their first test comes this Saturday in the highly anticipated derby against Manchester City. The 44-year-old former United midfielder expressed his honor at leading the team.
"Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honor," Carrick stated on the club's official website. "I know what it takes to succeed here. My focus is now on helping the players reach the standards we expect at this incredible club."
He will oversee 17 games before the club makes a permanent managerial decision later this summer. Carrick believes strongly in the current squad's capabilities.
Coaching Team and Recent Background
Carrick will receive support from several experienced figures. His coaching team includes Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, Jonny Evans, and Craig Mawson. This group brings a mix of tactical knowledge and club familiarity.
The new interim manager is no stranger to Old Trafford. Carrick spent the majority of his playing career at United between 2006 and 2018, featuring in 316 games. He also previously served as caretaker manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure in 2021, overseeing three matches with two wins and a draw.
More recently, Carrick managed Middlesbrough from 2022 to June 2025. He oversaw 136 games with a 46.32% success rate before being dismissed after a tenth-place finish in the English second division last season.
Context of the Appointment
Amorim's departure came after a reported breakdown in relations with club hierarchy. The Portuguese manager made pointed comments in a fiery press conference following United's 1-1 draw at Elland Road on January 3. He suggested the club needed change if it could not handle commentary from television pundits like former United player Gary Neville.
Since Amorim left, Darren Fletcher had taken temporary charge. Under Fletcher, United managed a 2-2 draw against Burnley but suffered an FA Cup third-round defeat to Brighton last Sunday.
Support from Club Legends
Club legend Wayne Rooney recently voiced strong support for Carrick's potential appointment. Rooney indicated he would be keen to join his former teammate's coaching setup if needed.
"Michael loves the football club and would step in to do a job if he can," Rooney said on his BBC podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show. "It's an opportunity to go and show what he can do over the next few months and make the owners look at him and say we don't need to go elsewhere."
When asked about joining Carrick's staff, Rooney added, "Of course I would. It's a no-brainer. I'm not begging a job here by the way. Just so everyone knows, if I was asked to go in of course I would. Appointing the manager is the most important thing."
Carrick now faces the immediate challenge of uniting the squad. "There is still a lot to fight for this season," he emphasized. "We are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves."
The coming months will determine whether this interim role becomes something more permanent for the former midfield maestro.
