Manchester United appoints Michael Carrick as permanent head coach

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as their permanent head coach on a two-year contract. The 44-year-old took interim charge after Ruben Amorim was sacked in January and has since guided the club to Champions League qualification.

Carrick's appointment came Friday following an impressive run of form that included a thrilling win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, which secured United's guaranteed third place in the Premier League. He has won 11 of his 16 matches in charge since taking the interim role on January 13.

The former Middlesbrough boss has collected 36 points since his appointment—more than any other top-flight club in the same period. His performance has earned him a place on a six-man shortlist for the Premier League's manager of the season award.

Carrick made 464 appearances for Manchester United as a player between 2006 and his retirement in 2018. As manager, he has been described as understated, deeply respected, and quietly authoritative, bringing clarity and conviction to the club during a period of transition following Amorim's departure.

United's hierarchy recommended Carrick for the permanent position after observing his managerial impact since January. His interim spell transformed the club's trajectory, moving beyond what officials characterized as a typical managerial bounce to achieve sustained improvement in league performance and European qualification.