Michael Carrick has reached a verbal agreement with Manchester United to return to Old Trafford as interim head coach until the end of the season, stepping in after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim.
Talks were concluded late on Monday night, with sources indicating that all outstanding issues have now been resolved. Legal teams are finalising contractual details, and Carrick is expected to formally sign later on Tuesday.
The former United midfielder arrived at the club’s Carrington training ground on Tuesday morning for meetings with director of football Jason Wilcox, as preparations begin for a swift transition.
Carrick’s first match in charge is set to be a high pressure Manchester derby on Saturday lunchtime, a fixture that will immediately test the club legend’s authority and tactical nous.
New Backroom Team Takes Shape
Carrick will be supported by an experienced and familiar coaching staff. Former England assistant coach Steve Holland will serve as his deputy, while Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, and Jonny Evans will also be part of the backroom team.
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Evans, who rejoined United during Darren Fletcher’s brief caretaker spell, will remain involved, while Fletcher is expected to return to his developmental role with the club’s Under 18s.
Both United and Carrick are keen for the appointment to be completed quickly, allowing him to take his first training session on Wednesday when players return ahead of the derby.
Why United Turned to Carrick
Carrick emerged as the frontrunner after discussions with both the former Middlesbrough boss and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, following Amorim’s exit on January 5. Club executives were reportedly impressed by Carrick’s vision for stabilising the team during the remainder of the campaign.
United’s plans to appoint an interim head coach were accelerated after Sunday’s 2 1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton, overseen by caretaker manager Darren Fletcher. With European hopes dashed, the club now has only the Premier League to focus on for the rest of the season.
A Familiar Face at Old Trafford
Carrick made 464 appearances during a 12 year playing career at Manchester United and remained at the club as part of Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff after retiring in 2018.
Following Mourinho’s dismissal later that year, Carrick briefly served as interim manager before joining Solskjaer’s backroom team. When Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021, Carrick again took temporary charge, guiding United through three unbeaten matches, including wins over Villarreal and Arsenal and a draw at Chelsea.
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He left Old Trafford upon Ralf Rangnick’s arrival before taking up the Middlesbrough job in October 2022.
Carrick’s Middlesbrough Legacy
Carrick inherited a struggling Boro side sitting 21st in the Championship but engineered a dramatic turnaround, leading them to a fourth place finish and a play off semi final defeat to Coventry City.
He later guided Middlesbrough to eighth and tenth place finishes before departing the club in June 2025.
Now, Carrick returns to the club where he built his reputation, tasked with steadying Manchester United through a turbulent season and restoring authority ahead of a crucial summer reset.
