January 13, 2026 — Manchester United are turning to Michael Carrick to steady the season. The former midfield anchor has reached a verbal agreement to become interim manager until the end of the campaign after the club dismissed Ruben Amorim following 14 months in charge. Reports framed it simply: United were “closing in” on the appointment, and now it’s happening.

The decision comes after interviews with multiple candidates. Carrick was chosen over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the former manager and teammate, in a move that signals fresh ideas with familiar standards. Carrick will be joined by respected coach Steve Holland as his assistant, and he arrived at Carrington to meet director of football Jason Wilcox ahead of taking training on Wednesday.

As one report put it, Carrick has “reached a verbal agreement with Man Utd to become interim head coach until the end of the season.” Another observed, “Michael is a very clever person and last time did really well.” For United, this is a reset with a clear end date and a coach who knows the building.

Why the change now at Manchester United?

United have drifted. They sit seventh in the Premier League and are already out of both domestic cups, losing to Brighton in the FA Cup third round and to Grimsby in the League Cup. After 14 months, Amorim’s time ended with the feeling that standards and results weren’t aligned. In the words of one report, “It’s not been an easy decision to make, but I feel it’s the right one.”

Carrick offers a steady hand. He coached at United under Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer, then stepped in as caretaker in 2021, taking three games and going unbeaten — wins over Villarreal and Arsenal, plus a draw with Chelsea. He knows Old Trafford, and the dressing room will know him.

“It’s a reset, not a reunion. Carrick over Ole feels like a fresh call.”

Why Carrick over Solskjaer for the interim job

Solskjaer is adored, but this choice suggests the club wanted new energy rather than a nostalgic return. Carrick is a United great in his own right, a five-time Premier League champion who reads the game as well as anyone. His coaching path has been steady and thoughtful, from assistant roles at United to management in the Championship.

When Carrick took the Middlesbrough job in 2022, the club was 21st with 17 points from 16 games. The situation demanded calm and clarity. That experience, even more than his short unbeaten spell as United caretaker, points to a coach who can stabilize a team and build a clear plan in a hurry.

“Carrickball means brains first: compact shape, quick breaks, no panic.”

What Carrick’s United will try to do

Carrick’s preferred setup is a 4-2-3-1. Expect an aggressive press with the front four, a focus on high turnovers, and quick, sharp fast breaks when space opens up. He also values clean, patient build-up when teams sit deep, and he won’t be afraid of a direct outlet to turn pressure into chances.

His teams aim to look tidy without the ball and brave with it. The double pivot is key: it shields the back line and starts attacks. The No. 10 links midfield and attack, and wide players are asked to drive at defenders and press hard. It’s simple to explain and hard to execute, but that’s why Carrick was hired: to set clear roles and a clear plan fast.

Who’s around him: Steve Holland and Jason Wilcox

Steve Holland brings deep experience as a trusted assistant at the highest level. His presence suggests United want strong day-to-day coaching and quick tactical cohesion. Jason Wilcox, the club’s director of football, is guiding the handover; Carrick met him at Carrington on Tuesday as the first step in a rapid transition.

There may be more familiar faces. Wayne Rooney has said he’s open to joining Carrick’s team and even floated Roy Keane’s name. That doesn’t mean it will happen, but it shows how much buy-in Carrick can attract inside the United orbit.

“Holland on the grass, Carrick on the compass — that’s a serious combo.”

The road ahead: fixtures that will shape the season

The calendar wastes no time. Carrick’s first month is a gauntlet that will test his ideas and his squad’s nerve.

• Jan 17: Manchester City (H)
• Jan 25: Arsenal (A)
• Feb 1: Fulham (H)
• Feb 7: Tottenham (H)
• Feb 10: West Ham (A)

United are out of both cups, so the league is the focus. They’re seventh, with ground to make up. Points from this stretch would change the mood fast. Even performances that look organized and hungry would count as early wins for Carrick’s project.

What success looks like from here

No one expects a title charge. This is about standards and direction. Can Carrick restore confidence? Can he make United hard to play against? Can he get the best out of key players with a simple structure and clear roles? If the answers trend yes, the table will take care of itself.

For now, the brief is sharp and simple: stabilize, organize, and compete. The club wanted a familiar voice with fresh instructions — and they’ve picked one. If Carrick’s first caretaker spell taught us anything, it’s that he can bring calm in a storm. Now comes the real test, this time with the volume turned up and the stakes much higher.