Manchester United have named former midfielder Michael Carrick as interim head coach for the remainder of the season, following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. Carrick's primary task is to secure Champions League qualification, with the team currently seventh in the Premier League. He takes over ahead of a challenging derby against Manchester City.
Manchester United acted swiftly after parting ways with Ruben Amorim last week, ending his 14-month tenure marked by underwhelming results and increasing tensions. On Tuesday, January 14, 2026, the club appointed Michael Carrick, a former club captain and first-team coach, to lead the side until the end of the season. This role beat out candidates including Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ruud van Nistelrooy, focusing on stabilizing a trophyless campaign and returning to European competition after the first season without continental football since 2014-15.
Interim boss Darren Fletcher, who oversaw recent draws and an FA Cup exit to Brighton, emphasized the need for Champions League spots. Carrick, 44, expressed confidence in the squad: “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.” He added, “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.”
United sit seventh with 32 points from 21 matches, three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool. Carrick's unbeaten interim stint in 2021 and his time managing Middlesbrough from 2022 to 2023 informed the unanimous decision by director of football Jason Wilcox. “Michael is an excellent coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United,” Wilcox stated. The backroom team includes Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, Travis Binnion, and Craig Mawson, with Fletcher returning to the under-18s.
Carrick faces an immediate test in Saturday's Old Trafford derby against Manchester City on January 17, followed by a trip to Arsenal. The club does not plan January transfers for Carrick, adhering to a long-term vision amid past poor signings.
