Manchester United Set to Appoint Michael Carrick as Caretaker Manager
Manchester United's Caretaker Manager Search
Manchester United is poised to finalize the appointment of their caretaker manager this week, with Michael Carrick emerging as the frontrunner after impressing executives from INEOS during discussions. The club recently parted ways with Ruben Amorim due to a disappointing performance, achieving only three victories in ten matches, which led to Darren Fletcher taking over on an interim basis.
The club's management is eager to secure a temporary manager to stabilize the current season before making a permanent appointment in the summer. Candidates such as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Fletcher, and Carrick were all under consideration, but Fletcher's chances diminished following United's 2-1 loss to Brighton in the FA Cup third round.
Initially, reports indicated that Solskjaer was the favorite to return, with Carrick willing to serve as his assistant. However, recent reports suggest that Carrick has now become the preferred choice after a successful meeting with INEOS executives. Chief Executive Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox are reportedly favoring Carrick, although no official offer has been extended yet.
Both Carrick and Solskjaer participated in face-to-face interviews with the club's hierarchy at Carrington last week. Carrick met with officials on Thursday, while Solskjaer had his meeting on Saturday. Despite Solskjaer's previous tenure as caretaker from December 2018 to March 2019, Carrick has gained an advantage in the selection process.
The club's leadership aims to provide the caretaker manager with ample time to implement his strategies before the upcoming Manchester derby on January 17. An announcement regarding the appointment is anticipated on Monday, allowing the selected candidate to prepare for this pivotal match.
Carrick's coaching career began when he joined Jose Mourinho's staff after retiring in 2018. He continued under Solskjaer and briefly served as interim manager following the Norwegian's exit, before departing when Ralf Rangnick took over. Carrick later managed Middlesbrough from October 2022 until June 2025, when he was let go.