Manchester United have left Michael Carrick as head coach until the end of the season, as Rob Dorsett and Daniel Cann break down why the club’s hierarchy and Jason Wilcox landed the appointment…
When Ruben Amorim was sacked last week, people close to him told us the Portuguese coach was surprised – and troubled – by the huge uproar in and around Old Trafford. Amorim confided in his friends that it is impossible to fully prepare or anticipate the unique challenges of being Manchester United’s main man.
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Manchester United have appointed Michael Carrick as their interim coach until the end of the season
United chiefs did not want to make the same mistake twice.
That’s why United’s shortlist for the interim head coach job is made up entirely of old United boys. In the foreground were Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Carrick.
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Speaking on the Inside Carrington Podcast, Michael Carrick says it’s an “amazing feeling” to be back at Manchester United after being appointed head coach until the end of the season. Video credit: Inside Carrington Podcast
The club’s hierarchy, led by director of football Jason Wilcox, wanted someone who knew the club, who had experienced the pressure and expectations, who would feel comfortable in a difficult environment where the spotlight was blinded and the mood among fans was still filled with frustration, reminiscing about past glories.
Michael Carrick was front and center in that glorious past. As a player under Sir Alex Ferguson, he won five Premier League titles, one Champions League, one Europa League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and one Club World Cup. His first taste of management was at Old Trafford under Jose Mourinho, and he had short spells as deputy boss, either side of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. United bosses are as confident as they can be that he is not fazed by the environment he is returning to.
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Charlie Austin joins the Supporters’ Club on Sky Sports News and gives his thoughts on the managerial developments at Manchester United
It is clear that the club hierarchy did not want to change the head coach in the middle of the season, but due to the poor results and the total breakdown of the relationship with Amorim, the club was forced to react. Many fans and commentators will wonder why United could not appoint a new high-profile manager immediately. But the reality is that Manchester United do not hold the same appeal for the world’s elite coaches as they did a decade ago. There is no European football. Budgets are small. A major restructuring of the entire club is still underway.
And so it was sensible for the club to take a pragmatic approach and save the big decision on the next big boss until the summer, when more big names will be available. Once that decision was made, the question was who would be best to lead things to the end of the season and give the team the maximum chance of achieving European football in 2026/27.
That man, it was decided, was Carrick. And although he and no one else in the coaching staff had ever worked with Steve Holland before, there was a unanimous feeling that his experience and tactical nous could prove invaluable. Importantly, he was also available to start immediately, without having to pay compensation.
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Sky Sports’ David Reid looks at how Manchester United could potentially match Michael Carrick, analyzing his style of play during his time at Middlesbrough
Other key factors in Carrick’s appointment were his familiarity with the power structure at United. Wilcox works closely with the head coach on strategy, philosophy and team selection. In the end, significant differences of opinion and Amorim’s reluctance to align tactically with Wilcock led to him.
Carrick has made it clear he is happy to work within United’s existing systems, pointing out that he did so effectively at Middlesbrough, where he worked closely with head of football Kieran Scott. In the interview, he also impressed with his ability to lead the team, and his strong knowledge of the players already at the club.
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Following the announcement that Michael Carrick is taking over as head coach at Manchester United, we take a look back at the best team goals scored by Middlesbrough during the former midfielder’s time in charge
Sometimes criticized for a lack of adaptability at the Riverside Stadium, Carrick remained true to his footballing philosophy – one where dominating the football and the opposition was the primary game plan. And that idea is in line with the kind of football Wilcox wants to see this United team play.
Why not Solskjaer?
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted to get a permanent job as head coach for the second time
But what about the other main candidate, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?
The buzz from Solskjaer’s camp early on was that he wasn’t just interested in the role, he was the favourite. This was noted with confusion at Carrington as it was clear to them that a decision would not be made until they had sat down with the two candidates.
Multiple sources told us after meeting Carrick face-to-face last Thursday that United’s management were left impressed. More than for Solskjaer.
As mentioned, his philosophy and tactical approach undoubtedly influenced the likes of Wilcox and Berrada, but his willingness to take on a role without the guarantee of a permanent role at the end of the season also worked to his advantage throughout the process.
Solskjaer is understood to have wanted a permanent option if he performed well in the role – a wish United’s hierarchy were unwilling to grant – and it is understood the role was until the end of the season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the initial favorite to replace Ruben Amorim until the end of the season
It must also be considered that the potential return of Solskjaer, who was manager under the previous regime, could be interpreted as a step backwards. After consistent messages about INEOS being forward thinking, questions would be raised about a return to the previous manager who did not necessarily succeed during his first spell at the club. Popular with fans, yes, but it was a tough sell and not a good look.
And so Carrick begins his limited reign as United’s main man. As things stand, he is unlikely to be considered for a long-term role in the summer, alongside Thomas Tuchel, Oliver Glasner, Carlo Ancelotti, Luis Enrique, Marco Silva and others. But we hope that his appointment will prove positive for both the coach and the club he leads.
He needs to hit the ground running, but being given some freedom early on – Manchester City at home and Arsenal away – will prove a baptism of fire.
Saturday, January 17 at 11:00 a.m
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Monastery Utd next five matches
- January 17: Man City (H) – Premier League, kick-off at 12:30 p.m. live on Ski Sports
- January 25: Arsenal (A) – Premier League, kick-off 16.30, live on Ski Sports
- February 1: Fulham (H) – Premier League, kick-off at 2 p.m., live on Ski Sports
- February 7: Tottenham (H) – Premier League, start at 12.30
- February 10: West Ham (A) – Premier League, start at 20.15