Michael Carrick won 11 of his 16 games as Manchester United’s interim manager and has now been given the job on a full-time basis after the Red Devils secured Champions League qualification
Michael Carrick has officially been named Manchester United’s new permanent manager. Carrick, 44, has signed a deal until 2028 with the option of a further a year following an impressive spell as the club’s interim manager.
Carrick won 11 of his 16 games in the temporary role, turning the Red Devils’ season around after they sacked Ruben Amorim in January. United’s upturn in form has seen them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in three years, and their dramatic 3-2 vitctory at home to Nottingham Forest on Sunday secured third place with one match to spare.
Upon his appointment, Carrick said: “From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of manchester-united-fc>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.”
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Jason Wilcox, Manchester United director of football, added: “Michael has thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue leading our men’s team. In the time he has been doing the role, we have seen positive results on the pitch, but more than that, an approach which aligns with the club’s values, traditions and history.
“Michael’s achievements in leading the club back to the Champions League should not be understated. He has forged a strong bond with the players and can be proud of the winning culture at Carrington and in the dressing room, which we are continuing to build.”
After recording wins against Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool, Carrick became the firm favourite to get the job full-time.
United officials made checks on the likes of Unai Emery and Andoni Iraola. But they ultimately settled on their former midfielder, who won 18 major trophies during his 12 years at Old Trafford as a player.
CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox collectively recommended Carrick’s appointment to the club’s hierarchy. Part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe leads on football decisions, although the Glazer family still have the final say.
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It has been reported for several days that a Carrick appointment had been agreed upon, but United had bided their time before making an official announcement.
Carrick has recently been involved in United’s recruitment meetings, with work for the summer transfer window already underway. Players and staff were in favour of his appointment.
The 44-year-old’s only previous managerial experience came with Middlesbrough, spending two-and-a-half years at the Riverside. Carrick also worked as a first-team coach at United under both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from 2018 to 2021.
When he returned to Old Trafford in January, United were seventh in the Premier League table and had won just one of their last seven games in all competitions. Amorim was sacked in early January before Darren Fletcher took charge of two games as caretaker.
Carrick claimed victories in each of his first four fixtures, as United’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League were boosted. The Red Devils sealed their place in Europe’s elite competition next season with three games to spare, beating rivals Liverpool 3-2 at home earlier this month.
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