Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as head coach of the men’s first team until the end of the 2025/26 season.
The announcement comes just days after the departure of Ruben Amorim and interim head coach Darren Fletcher led United to a 2-2 draw at Burnley last Wednesday before they suffered a 2-1 FA Cup defeat at home to Brighton on Sunday.
Fletcher was offered a role in the new coaching regime but opted to return to the academy where he will again take charge of the U18s after talks with the senior management team.
Carrick was the unanimous choice of the United hierarchy and will be supported by Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, Jonny Evans and Craig Mawson.
The ex-United midfielder is no stranger to standing on the touchline at Old Trafford – he led United briefly as caretaker coach after the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who was the third person interviewed for the role.
Carrick had already served on the coaching staff under Jose Mourinho before assisting Solskjaer after retiring in 2018.
In his playing career Carrick played 464 games for the club, winning five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
And after leaving Old Trafford he was head coach at Middlesbrough for two-and-a-half years from October 2022 before rejoining the Reds.
Michael Carrick, head coach, 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 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.”
Jason Wilcox, director of football, said: “Michael is an excellent coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United.
“He is ready to lead our talented and determined group of players for the remainder of the season as we continue to build the club towards regular and sustained success.”