EPL: Carrick becomes leading candidate for Man United caretaker role
Michael Carrick is now viewed as the leading option to take over as Manchester United’s caretaker head coach, according to people familiar with the situation.
BBC Sport reported on Monday that United’s senior figures want a new appointment confirmed before the squad reconvenes for training on Wednesday, and talks with the 44-year-old are understood to be well advanced. While no final call has been made, Carrick is currently seen as the strongest contender.
Carrick has prior experience in the role, having acted as United’s interim manager in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was dismissed. In that short three-game period, he recorded two victories and a draw before handing over to Ralf Rangnick following his appointment as interim boss.
Solskjaer has also been in direct discussions with the club about a possible return, with face-to-face talks held on Saturday. Nevertheless, Carrick’s close ties to the club and previous spell as caretaker have boosted his prospects.
United parted company with Ruben Amorim on 5 January, bringing an end to his 14-month spell in charge. Ex-midfielder Darren Fletcher was appointed to oversee the team on an interim basis after Amorim’s exit, but is expected to step down following Sunday’s FA Cup third-round loss to Brighton. Fletcher also took charge of a Premier League draw away at Burnley last Wednesday.
As a player, Carrick had an illustrious career at Old Trafford, featuring 464 times between 2006 and 2018 after signing from Tottenham during Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure. He transitioned straight into coaching upon retiring, joining Jose Mourinho’s backroom staff at the conclusion of the 2017–18 season and remaining part of the first-team setup throughout Solskjaer’s time as manager.
His sole permanent managerial post was at Middlesbrough, where he spent two and a half years before being sacked last June.
During his time at Boro, Carrick led the side to the Championship play-offs in the 2022–23 campaign, where they were beaten by Coventry City in the semi-finals, and then narrowly failed to secure a top-six finish in the following two seasons.
Although Carrick lacks the breadth of managerial experience possessed by Solskjaer, United believe his strong grasp of the club and the dynamics within the dressing room could prove crucial as they seek short-term stability.
