Manchester United have reached an agreement with Michael Carrick to become the club’s interim manager until the end of the 2025–26 season, ruling out a return for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Carrick, 44, is expected to take charge immediately and should be on the touchline for Saturday’s high-profile derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford. Reports indicate that an agreement in principle has been reached, with final contract details now being completed.
Manchester United are confident the paperwork will be concluded in time for Carrick to properly prepare the squad for the Premier League clash. The former midfielder has also been granted approval to bring in selected members of his own coaching staff as part of the deal.
The decision follows a series of internal meetings involving senior club executives, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. The appointment has received final approval from co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who leads INEOS’ football operations at the club.
Carrick emerges as a short-term solution after the dismissal of Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim earlier this month. Former midfielder Darren Fletcher had been overseeing first-team affairs in a caretaker role following that decision.
This will not be Carrick’s first experience leading Manchester United. He previously stepped in as interim manager in 2021 after Solskjaer’s departure, overseeing three matches that produced two wins and one draw. That brief spell earned him praise for stability during a turbulent period.
After leaving Old Trafford, Carrick went on to manage Middlesbrough in the Championship, where he guided the club to the play-offs and built a reputation as a promising coach.
As a player, Carrick enjoyed a distinguished 12-year career at Manchester United, making 464 appearances and winning five Premier League titles as well as the UEFA Champions League. His deep understanding of the club’s culture and expectations is seen as a key factor behind his appointment.
Carrick will now have the opportunity to impress the club’s hierarchy as United delay a permanent managerial decision until the summer. Strong performances during his interim spell could strengthen his case for a longer-term role at Old Trafford.
