Man Utd Officially Names Michael Carrick to Key Role—Job Title Sends Clear Message

Manchester United have confirmed that Michael Carrick will take charge as head coach for the rest of the 2025–26 campaign.

This decision brings the former club skipper back to Old Trafford to replace ex-colleague Darren Fletcher, who had been managing the team temporarily to handle recent matches against Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion while the club determined its next move.

Fletcher, who will now resume his position as U18s coach in the youth system, was reportedly considered for keeping the role through season's end, while United icon Ole Gunnar Solskjær also held discussions with the club. However, Carrick emerged as the chosen candidate.

"Being entrusted to guide Manchester United is a privilege," Carrick expressed in an official club announcement. "I understand what success requires here; my attention is now on assisting the players to achieve the excellence we demand at this remarkable club, which I'm confident this squad can absolutely deliver.

"I have collaborated with several of these players previously and have naturally kept close tabs on the team in recent seasons, I have complete faith in their skills, commitment and capacity to thrive here.

"There remains plenty to compete for this season, we are prepared to unite everyone and provide the supporters with the displays their unwavering loyalty merits."

Jason Wilcox, United's football director and the executive who was central to conflicts with former manager Ruben Amorim, commented: "Michael is a superb coach and understands precisely what winning at Manchester United demands.

"He is prepared to guide our skilled and committed group of players through the remaining season as we continue developing the club toward consistent and lasting achievement."

Carrick's History With Man Utd

Carrick's History With Man Utd

As a player, Carrick made 464 United appearances from his 2006 signing until his 2018 retirement, claiming 12 major honors—including five Premier League championships and the Champions League. He received the captain's armband in summer 2017 before his final campaign, though age and treatment for a cardiac issue meant it was primarily an off-field leadership role rather than on-pitch.

After retiring from playing, Carrick seamlessly moved from player to coach, being invited to remain at the club within José Mourinho's coaching staff. He continued when Solskjær replaced Mourinho at the close of 2018, before taking temporary charge himself for a three-match period in 2021.

Carrick departed Old Trafford in December that year when Ralf Rangnick was named interim boss for the rest of the 2021–22 season and introduced his own support staff. He subsequently spent nearly three years at Middlesbrough, achieving 63 victories from 136 matches in command, leading them to Championship play-offs in his first complete season and the Carabao Cup semifinals the following year.

Carrick was dismissed at the conclusion of last season when Boro ended 10th in the Championship standings and failed to reach the play-offs for the second consecutive year.

Carrick's Record As Man Utd Caretaker

Carrick's Record As Man Utd Caretaker

As interim manager, Carrick oversaw matches against Villarreal, which ensured Champions League knockout stage qualification, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Steve Holland Joins Coaching Staff

Steve Holland Joins Coaching Staff

Former England deputy manager Steve Holland, who assisted Gareth Southgate at World Cups in 2018 and 2022, plus European Championships in 2021 and 2024, will join Carrick's coaching team.

After injury prevented his own playing career, Holland started coaching in Crewe Alexandra's youth setup in 1992, at just 22 years old. He remained there for 17 years, culminating with a period as first-team boss in 2007–08, before moving to Stoke City and later becoming Chelsea reserves manager.

Holland advanced to first-team coach during André Villas-Boas's brief tenure at Stamford Bridge, and subsequently served as assistant manager under Roberto Di Matteo, Rafael Benitez, José Mourinho, Guus Hiddink and Antonio Conte. It was in 2017 that he linked up with Southgate at England.

Holland's latest position was four months managing Yokohama F. Marinos, dismissed in April 2025.

United legend Wayne Rooney, who hasn't been involved in coaching since his departure as Plymouth Argyle manager on New Year's Eve in 2024, has expressed his willingness to join the coaching staff if approached.

"I'm not pleading for a position here by the way. Just so everyone understands, if I was invited to come in naturally I would," Rooney mentioned on his eponymous BBC podcast, describing it as a "no-brainer" for him.

"It requires people who understand the football club … having individuals who know the club, love the club and comprehend what it means to be a Manchester United player. That's where the club needs to be."

Man Utd's Upcoming Fixtures Under Carrick

Man Utd's Upcoming Fixtures Under Carrick

Manchester United's recent FA Cup elimination, combined with a surprising Carabao Cup exit against Grimsby Town in August and their failure to secure any European competition this season, will limit the remaining games this season to 17 as only Premier League matches continue.

In his opening two fixtures this time around, Carrick will encounter second and first place in the standings.