Michael Carrick has officially returned to the Manchester United hot seat, starting work at the club's Carrington training ground on Tuesday to commence his second stint as interim manager. The former midfield maestro is set to lead the team for the remainder of the season, with his appointment confirmed following face-to-face interviews.
Carrick's New-Look Backroom Team Takes Shape
Carrick has moved swiftly to assemble his coaching staff, bringing in two significant names. Steve Holland, formerly Gareth Southgate's assistant with the England national team and most recently manager of Yokohama F Marinos in Japan, has joined. He is accompanied by Jonathan Woodgate, who worked alongside Carrick at Middlesbrough and has managerial experience with both Boro and Bournemouth.
They will work with existing staff members Travis Binnion, promoted from his role as under-21s lead coach, and Jonny Evans, who has been retained. Darren Fletcher, who took temporary charge for the last two matches, has decided to return to his previous role with the club's under-18s after being offered a position in Carrick's first-team setup.
A Daunting Immediate Challenge at Old Trafford
Carrick's return follows the sacking of head coach Ruben Amorim earlier this month. He takes over a team with 17 Premier League matches remaining and the sole objective of securing a European qualification spot, following their elimination from the FA Cup by Brighton on Sunday.
His first test could scarcely be tougher: a Manchester derby against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City at Old Trafford this Saturday. Carrick, who previously managed United for three games after Ole Gunnar Solskjær's dismissal in November 2021, is under immediate pressure to improve results and tactical flexibility.
From Playing Legend to Stopgap Boss
The 42-year-old boasts an illustrious history with the club, having enjoyed a 12-year playing career at United after signing from Tottenham in 2006. During that time, he won five Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Europa League, the FA Cup, and three League Cups.
After his initial caretaker role at United, he became Middlesbrough head coach from October 2022 to June 2025, guiding them to the Championship playoffs in his first season before subsequent mid-table finishes led to his departure. The club's hierarchy, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, were impressed by Carrick in interviews, selecting him over other candidates including Ole Gunnar Solskjær for this critical interim role.
