Carrick named United coach for rest of season
Manchester United's search for an interim head coach is over, with former midfielder Michael Carrick returning to the dugout for the rest of this season.
United sacked Ruben Amorim earlier this month, after he appeared to criticise the club's hierarchy through post-match comments in the wake of a 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
Darren Fletcher took temporary charge after Amorim's departure, overseeing a 2-2 draw with Burnley in the Premier League and an FA Cup third-round exit at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion.
Carrick emerged as the front-runner for the position, ahead of former Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with the former captain signing a contract through to the end of the season.
"Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour," Carrick said. "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.
"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."
The 44-year-old won 12 major trophies across his 12 years as a player at Old Trafford, making 464 appearances in that time, and also served as a coach during Solskjaer's time in the dugout.
He briefly served as caretaker manager after the Norwegian's departure in November 2021, winning two of his three matches in charge and drawing the other before stepping down as first-team coach.
Carrick was then named head coach of Middlesbrough between October 2022 and June 2025, taking charge of 136 games in all competitions, winning 63 of those to finish with a 46.3 per cent win rate.
The Englishman guided Boro to the EFL Championship play-offs in his first season in charge, but subsequently finished eighth and 10th, losing his position after the latter.
United sits seventh on the Premier League table, three points off the UEFA Champions League places, with Carrick's first match in charge coming against fierce rival Manchester City in the top-flight at the weekend.
