Man Utd announce Michael Carrick as interim manager after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer snub

Manchester United interviewed both Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the position of interim manager after they made the decision to sack Ruben Amorim last week

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as their new interim manager. Carrick, 44, has signed a deal until the end of the season.

Ex-United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also in the running and it was speculated that Carrick could assist the Norwegian, as he did between December 2018 and November 2021. But United have snubbed Solskjaer after senior players vetoed his opponent and have now chosen to appoint the former Middlesbrough boss, who returns to Old Trafford after four years away.

Two and a half of those were spent at Boro, where Carrick achieved a play-off finish in his first season. His next two campaigns were less successful and he was sacked last June.

After talks with United CEO Omar Berrada and the club’s sporting director, Jason Wilcox, Carrick is viewed as the right man to take United forward. The Red Devils have opted to go down the interim route after sacking Ruben Amorim last week.

“Having the responsibility to lead manchester-united-fc>Manchester United is an honour,” Carrick said.

“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.”

Amorim’s departure after 14 months came off the back of a tumultuous festive period in which he infamously fell out with Wilcox. United will now conduct a thorough search for his permanent successor, with England boss Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti and Mauricio Pochettino among those on the shortlist.

During his playing career, Carrick amassed 17 trophies with United, including five Premier League titles and one Champions League. Their FA Cup triumph in 2016 meant that the 34-time England international had won every major trophy he’d competed for at club level.

Have Manchester United made the right choice? Have your say in the comments section.

Carrick retired in 2018 and made an immediate start to his coaching career, joining Jose Mourinho’s backroom staff at Old Trafford. He was retained by Solskjaer and spent the next three years as one of his assistants alongside Kieran McKenna.

After Solskjaer’s sacking, Carrick took charge of the Red Devils on a caretaker basis for their next three games. United went unbeaten, winning two games and drawing one.

He becomes the club’s 12th different interim or full-time manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. Carrick will receive a baptism of fire, as United welcome bitter rivals Man City in the Manchester derby at 12:30pm on Saturday.

Jason Wilcox, United director of football, added: “Michael is an excellent coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United.

“He is ready to lead our talented and determined group of players for the remainder of the season as we continue to build the club towards regular and sustained success.”

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