Manchester United have officially appointed Michael Carrick as their interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
The former United midfielder and long-time club servant returns to Old Trafford at a pivotal moment, tasked with steadying a tumultuous campaign and rekindling belief among players and supporters alike.
The announcement, confirmed on 13 January 2026, followed the club’s decision to part ways with Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim after a difficult run of form and mounting pressure on and off the pitch.
With United languishing seventh in the Premier League and facing an uphill battle to secure Champions League qualification, the Old Trafford hierarchy opted for familiarity and club culture by bringing in Carrick to lead the squad through the final 17 games.
Carrick, 44, is a Manchester United legend, having made 464 appearances for the club between 2006 and 2018, winning five Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, two League Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup among other honours.
His playing career was defined by quiet leadership, composure in midfield and an ability to manage games with intelligence.
After retiring in 2018, Carrick seamlessly transitioned into coaching, joining the United first-team staff under José Mourinho and later working under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
This is not Carrick’s first stint as a temporary manager.
In November 2021, following Solskjaer’s departure, he was appointed caretaker head coach, leading the Red Devils to an unbeaten three-game run that included wins over Villarreal and Arsenal, and a draw with Chelsea.
In his first statement as interim head coach, Carrick emphasized his belief in the players’ talent and their capacity to deliver performances worthy of the club’s rich history.
“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,” he said.
Carrick’s first major test as interim coach comes in one of the fiercest fixtures in English football: the Manchester derby against rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.
United’s current form has been inconsistent, with recent matches highlighting both defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of cutting edge in attack.
How Carrick approaches this derby could set the tone for his tenure and the confidence of his players.
Following the derby, United face another stern test away at Arsenal, who are leading the Premier League.
These early fixtures in Carrick’s reign underline the urgency of improving results.
With United only a few points off the top four, there remains a realistic chance of finishing in the Champions League places.