Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement with Michael Carrick to take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season, SurgeZirc UK has learned.
Carrick emerged as the leading candidate on Monday, with talks accelerating before the former United captain was seen arriving at the club’s training base on Tuesday. Discussions continued late into the night, with all remaining details finalised.
According to the PA news agency, the 44-year-old is set to assemble a familiar and experienced backroom team as he prepares to step into the role, with official confirmation expected later on Tuesday.
Michael Carrick Interim Appointment: Backroom Staff and Club Plans
Carrick is understood to be bringing in former England assistant manager Steve Holland, alongside Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion as part of his coaching staff.
Darren Fletcher, who oversaw United’s last two matches following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, was offered a position within Carrick’s coaching group. However, the former midfielder has opted to return to his role as the club’s Under-18s manager.
The announcement of Carrick’s appointment comes a week after Amorim was sacked, with the club eager to install stability ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
Manchester Derby Focus as Carrick Prepares to Take Training
Carrick’s arrival will allow him to lead his first training session on Wednesday, giving him limited but vital time to prepare the squad for Saturday’s Manchester derby.
In recent days, both Carrick and former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer held meetings with Jason Wilcox, the club’s director of football, who is overseeing the search for a long-term head coach. Both ex-United players were considered and made presentations to senior figures at Old Trafford.
Carrick previously served as caretaker manager for three matches following Solskjaer’s departure, having been part of the first-team coaching staff under both Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho.
Carrick’s Manchester United Record and Rooney’s Backing
During his initial spell in charge, Carrick won two games and drew one before Ralf Rangnick was appointed to see out the season. As a player, the former England international made 464 appearances across 12 years at United, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
After leaving Old Trafford, Carrick took on the Middlesbrough managerial role in October 2022, guiding the club to the Sky Bet Championship play-offs in his first campaign. He was dismissed last summer.
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United legend Wayne Rooney has publicly supported the appointment. Speaking on BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England captain said: “I was with him in Barbados last week! So obviously none of us saw this coming. Michael is a very clever person and he’ll command respect from the dressing room.”
Asked whether he would consider joining Carrick’s staff, Rooney added: “Of course I would! I think it’s a no-brainer if that’s the situation.”
With United now focused solely on the Premier League, sitting seventh after exits from both cup competitions, Carrick’s immediate task will be to push for European qualification ahead of next season.
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