Manchester United have confirmed Michael Carrick as their permanent head coach, bringing an end to months of uncertainty over the leadership at Old Trafford.
Carrick, 44, who had been in interim charge since January, has signed a multi-year deal understood to run for two years with the option of a further 12 months. The appointment follows a sustained upturn in results after the departure of Ruben Amorim earlier this year.
The former United midfielder has overseen a marked improvement in form, winning 10 of his 15 matches in charge across all competitions. That run has lifted United to third in the Premier League and secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Senior figures at the club, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, are reported to have backed Carrick strongly, with co-owner Jim Ratcliffe giving final approval after talks this week.
Carrick’s deep ties to United weighed heavily in his favour. During a playing career spanning more than a decade at Old Trafford, he made 463 appearances and won multiple major honours, including the Champions League and several league titles under Alex Ferguson.
After retiring, Carrick moved into coaching, later taking charge of Middlesbrough before returning to United’s backroom staff. His familiarity with the club’s structure and dressing room dynamics has been viewed internally as a stabilising factor during a period of repeated managerial change since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
Support from within the squad has also proved significant. Club captain Bruno Fernandes is among senior players understood to have endorsed the appointment, while Carrick’s coaching team — including Jonathan Woodgate — is expected to remain intact.
In his first remarks after being confirmed, Carrick said he was “honoured and excited” to take the role on a permanent basis.
“This club means everything to me,” he said. “We have momentum now, and I can’t wait to build on it with the players and staff.”
United face Nottingham Forest on Sunday as Carrick begins preparations for a full season in charge, with expectations heightened by a late surge that has reshaped the club’s campaign.
