Manchester United has officially announced the appointment of Michael Carrick as their new interim manager. Carrick, aged 44, has agreed to a contract until the end of the current season.
Former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also considered for the position, with speculation that Carrick might assist him, as he had done between December 2018 and November 2021. However, United has opted to overlook Solskjaer after senior players opposed his candidacy and have instead chosen Carrick, the former Middlesbrough boss, who is returning to Old Trafford after four years.
Carrick spent two and a half years at Middlesbrough, achieving a play-off finish in his initial season. However, his subsequent two campaigns were less successful, leading to his dismissal in June of last year.
Following discussions with United CEO Omar Berrada and the club’s sporting director, Jason Wilcox, Carrick has been deemed the suitable candidate to lead United forward. The decision to appoint an interim manager came after the recent dismissal of Ruben Amorim.
Expressing his thoughts, Carrick stated, “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honor. I know what it takes to succeed here, and my focus is on helping the players reach the high standards expected at this prestigious club, which I firmly believe this group is capable of achieving.”
Carrick retired from playing in 2018 and immediately transitioned into coaching, joining Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff at Old Trafford. After Solskjaer’s departure, Carrick took charge of the team on a temporary basis for three games, remaining unbeaten with two wins and a draw.
He now becomes the 12th different interim or full-time manager for the club since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. Carrick’s tenure begins with a challenging fixture as United face Manchester City in the Manchester derby on Saturday at 12:30pm.
Jason Wilcox, the United director of football, praised Carrick, saying, “Michael is a top-notch coach who understands what it takes to succeed at Manchester United. He is prepared to lead our talented and determined squad for the remainder of the season as we strive for consistent and enduring success.”
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