Manchester United appoints Michael Carrick as interim head coach until end of season
Carrick replaces Ruben Amorim and will make his debut against Manchester City on Saturday.
January 13, 2026
Manchester United have appointed Michael Carrick as interim head coach until the end of the season, the club confirmed on Tuesday. Carrick, 44, replaces Ruben Amorim, who departed the club on January 5.
Carrick emerged as the frontrunner for the role after the club held discussions with the former midfielder and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following Amorim's departure. Club hierarchy were impressed by Carrick's plans for the remainder of the season. Negotiations concluded late into Monday night, with all outstanding issues resolved before the announcement.
The former United captain and ex-Middlesbrough manager becomes the main focus of discussions on Monday and was pictured arriving at the club's training ground on Tuesday. In a statement, Carrick said: "I know what it takes to succeed here at Old Trafford. 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."
Carrick added: "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."
Carrick's coaching staff includes Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion. He previously served as interim head coach in 2021 following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure.
Manchester United currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, 17 points behind leaders Arsenal. The club was eliminated from the FA Cup on Sunday following a 2-1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, which was overseen by caretaker boss Darren Fletcher. Plans to appoint an interim head coach were accelerated following that defeat. The loss left United with only the Premier League to focus on for the remainder of the season, with 40 matches remaining.
Carrick faces an immediate challenge in his debut, with Manchester United scheduled to face second-placed Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday. Fletcher will return to directing the under-18 team after his spell overseeing the first team.