MICHAEL CARRICK has been confirmed as the new interim boss at Manchester United after BEATING Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to the post.
United spoke with both ex-players this week before deciding to go with Carrick, who has been out of a job since leaving Middlesbrough last year.
Carrick, 44, takes over from former team-mate Darren Fletcher, who oversaw two games in caretaker charge.
Fletcher, 41, was in the dugout for the 2-1 FA Cup third round defeat to Brighton on Sunday as well as the 2-2 draw with Burnley in the Premier League.
He will return to the Under-18s after stepping up to the first team over the past week.
This is the second time Carrick has come to United‘s rescue after replacing Ole himself in 2021.
The English coach was only in charge for three games on that occasion before Ralph Ragnick was appointed.
Carrick spent just under three years at Middlesbrough, where he led them to the playoffs in 2022-23.
His reign ended at the end of last season, though, as Boro could only finish eighth after two losses and a draw in their final three games.
Carrick has returned to Manchester after starting the year with mate Wayne Rooney on holiday.
Jonny Evans, who joined Fletcher’s backroom staff, was also with them.
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Carrick becomes the 12th manager at United since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013.
Only four of those have lasted more than 100 games (Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Solskjaer, and Erik ten Hag).
United have needed seven caretaker/interims during that time with Ole getting the full-time gig after his impressive stint in 2018 turned into something more.
Ruud van Nistelrooy did the job after Ten Hag and before United could get Ruben Amorim through the door.
Carrick has been picked by key decision makers Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, who fell out with Amorim by the end.
He knows that there are a maximum of 17 games to complete as United are set to have their shortest season in over 100 YEARS.
Starting with the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Saturday, Carrick has a daunting schedule ahead.
United welcome their neighbours before going to Arsenal and then hosting Fulham and Tottenham in the next three weeks.
He will become the fifth man in the United hot seat under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos’ sporting control.
Ratcliffe and Co only secured their minority stake in December 2023 but has sacked two coaches since, including Amorim, who was cherry-picked.
United have also gone through great change at board level with Wilcox and Berrada going into Old Trafford.
Christopher Vivell has a say on recruitment and Dan Ashworth has been and gone since United chased him from Newcastle.
This is a structure that Amorim eventually could not work under without falling out.
Carrick has been drafted in keeper United ticking, much like he did in his playing days.
Setting standards
In the announcement, Carrick said: “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour.
“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.”
Wilcox added: “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.”
His backroom staff will be Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, Jonny Evans, and Craig Mawson.
