Manchester United have announced Michael Carrick as their new interim head coach until the end of the season as they seek some stability on a disappointing campaign.
The Red Devils have been on the hunt for a new head coach ever since sacking Ruben Amorim on January 5.
Darren Fletcher filled the void as an initial interim taking charge of last Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at Burnley and then Sunday’s 2-1 FA Cup third-round defeat by Brighton.
However, the Scot will now return to the Under-18 setup with his former United team-mate Carrick taking the reins.
The club legend beat another Old Trafford icon, and former manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to the job.
Michael Carrick: Leading Manchester United is an honour
Upon accepting the role, Carrick is relishing the opportunity of working with the squad and bringing some cheer to supporters.
‘Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour,’ he told the club’s official website.
‘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.’
Carrick will be supported by Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, Jonny Evans and Craig Mawson as his backroom team.
As a player, the 44-year-old 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.
He joined the first-team coaching staff when he retired in 2018 and served under Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer. Following the latter’s departure, he was caretaker manager for three games – winning 2-0 at Villarreal in the Champions League, drawing 1-1 at Chelsea in the Premier League and beating Arsenal 3-2 at home.
The former England international was also head coach at Middlesbrough for two-and-a-half years from October 2022.
