Man United appoint Michael Carrick to interim role until the end of the season

United dismissed Amorim following a 1-1 draw with Leeds United last week. Darren Fletcher was then placed in temporary charge but failed to secure a win in two matches. Ahead of this week’s Manchester derby against Manchester City, the club confirmed Carrick as their new interim head coach.

Carrick beat former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to the role, with both candidates interviewed by United’s board last weekend. As a result, Fletcher will return to his previous position with the club’s under-18 side.

Speaking after his appointment, Carrick said: “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour. I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players reach the standards we expect at this incredible club, which we know this group is more than capable of producing.

“I have worked with a number of the players already and have continued to watch the team closely in recent years. I have total belief in their talent, dedication and ability to be successful here. There is still a lot to fight for this season, and we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances their loyal support deserves.”

Carrick previously served as United’s interim manager in 2021 following Solskjaer’s dismissal, taking charge for three matches before Ralf Rangnick was appointed. After leaving Old Trafford, he became head coach of Middlesbrough, where he spent three seasons and achieved solid results. Carrick departed the Championship club in the summer of 2025 and has been without a managerial role until now.

Carrick’s first match in charge will be the Manchester derby on 17 January. United will then face Arsenal (25 January), Fulham (1 February), Tottenham (7 February) and West Ham (11 February). Having been eliminated early from both domestic cup competitions, United will now focus solely on their Premier League campaign.