Man Utd announce Michael Carrick as supervisor regardless of membership legend’s enormous ‘doubts’
Manchester United have confirmed that Michael Carrick is the club’s new permanent manager after the Old Trafford legend sealed the club’s return to the Champions League
Michael Carrick has been confirmed as Manchester United’s new permanent manager
Manchester United have confirmed that Michael Carrick is the club’s new permanent manager.
Carrick, 44, was appointed interim manager at Old Trafford for the second time in January following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. The legendary England midfielder was a popular decision with the fans after spending 12 years as a player at United. But Carrick has exceeded expectations as he has guided United to a third place finish having secured a return to the Champions League with three games to go.
Carrick has signed a two-year contract with the option of a further year after the former Middlesbrough boss sat down with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
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A statement from Manchester United said: “Manchester United is delighted to announce that Michael Carrick will continue as head coach of the men’s first team, having signed a new contract which will run to 2028.
“Carrick returned to United as head coach in January and was awarded the Premier League Manager of the Month award after victories against Manchester City and Arsenal in his first two games in charge.
“He has overseen qualification into next season’s UEFA Champions League with 11 wins from 16 games, accumulating the highest points tally in the Premier League since his arrival.
“One of United’s most successful and decorated players, Carrick played 464 games for the club, winning five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup.”
Carrick said: “From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United. Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride.
“Throughout the past five months, this group of players have shown they can reach the standards of resilience, togetherness and determination that we demand here.
“Now it’s time to move forward together again, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose. Manchester United and our incredible supporters deserve to be challenging for the biggest honours again.”
Carrick has won 11 of his 16 games in charge of the Red Devils, including victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Tottenham.
It’s been reported that his backroom staff are set to stay on, with assistant Steve Holland, coaches Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans all set to land new deals. While Craig Mawson, who was promoted to first-team goalkeeping coach, will also maintain a senior role.
Carrick’s appointment comes after Roy Keane admitted he’s “still got doubts” about his credentials to manage United permanently. Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “Was he still the best options out there? We obviously don’t know what other managers they spoke to. The fact he was winning matches, but again, still huge problems at Man Utd.”
On the need for transfers Keane went on to say: “That’s going to be his remcarrick it, getting players in, getting some physicality in the middle of the park, stop giving away the amount of goals they’re giving. That’s now the bigger picture he’s got to try and fix.
“So that’s the challenge, and obviously over the next few months, whenever they have a sticky patch, the issue will be has he got the experience to deal with it.
“He’s been at Middlesbrough and had spells at United so he’s got the opportunity and if he does well, fantastic. I’ve got my doubts. But we’ll wait and see.”
