Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as their interim head coach until the top of the season.
The 44-year-old will probably be joined by Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, Jonny Evans and Craig Mawson on the coaching staff.
Carrick has been chosen over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the 2 United legends held talks with the club’s hierarchy, including Director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, over the weekend.
Following Ruben Amorim’s shock sacking last week, Darren Fletcher had taken charge of the first-team and the Under-18s boss could join Carrick’s backroom staff.
Fletcher had overseen a 2-2 draw with Burnley within the Premier League and United’s FA Cup exit by the hands of Brighton on Sunday.
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Carrick, 44, is just expected be within the Old Trafford dugout until the top of the season, with the club planning to call a everlasting successor to Amorim this summer.
Thomas Tuchel, Oliver Glasner and Gareth Southgate are amongst the various names tipped for the job.
‘Having the responsibility to guide Manchester United is an honour,’ said Carrick.
‘I do know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to achieve the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we all know that this group is greater than capable of manufacturing.
‘I actually have worked with a lot of the players already and have obviously continued to look at the team closely in recent times, I actually have total belief of their talents, dedication and talent to achieve success here.
‘There remains to be rather a lot to fight for this season, we’re able to pull everyone together and provides the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves.’
Director of football Jason Wilcox said: ‘Michael is a superb coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United.
‘He is prepared to guide our talented and determined group of players for the rest of the season as we proceed to construct the club towards regular and sustained success.’
Former England international Carrick is one in every of United’s biggest ever midfielders, making 464 appearances across 12 trophy-laden years, along with his accolades including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Upon hanging up his boots up in 2018, he joined United’s coaching staff, serving as assistant manager to Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer.
When the latter was relieved of his duties in 2021, he stepped in as caretaker manager for 3 games, winning two and drawing one, including a 3-2 victory over Arsenal, before the arrival of Ralf Rangnick.
Carrick’s first full-time position was at Middlesbrough, but he was sacked last summer after failing to win promotion during his three seasons on the Championship club.
United have tasked him with securing Champions League qualification, something which may be very much achievable with the Red Devils currently seventh within the Premier League table and just some extent off the top-five.
But Carrick couldn’t have been given a tougher begin to his second spell at Old Trafford, with the Manchester derby on Saturday followed by a visit to league leaders Arsenal.
Carrick’s to-do list – 4 things he must fix quickly to halt slide
Manchester United were incredibly generous leading as much as Christmas and over the festive period, handing out points at home to Everton, West Ham, Bournemouth and Wolves before draws away to Leeds and Burnley.
But as is stands, they’re firmly inside touching distance of the Champions League spots, just some extent off fifth place.
Even after being knocked out of the FA Cup, there remains to be plenty to salvage from the season – if Carrick and his staff could make some quick fixes.
Solve Sesko’s struggles up front
Benjamin Sesko has had some fleeting moments of promise this season however the jury remains to be out. At times, the Slovenia international has looked effective foil for Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, holding the ball up and linking play intelligently in the ultimate third.
But questions over his physicality and unconvincing ending remain. His performance against Burnley largely summed things up – scoring twice with two excellent finishes within the second-half but only after a thoroughly wretched display within the opening 45 where he could barely keep the ball under control.
One other goal against Brighton on Sunday means the 22-year-old has scored more under Darren Fletcher than he did under Amorim. A change of system and playing style has offered early promise.
Abandon the dreaded 3-4-3
It will function an enormous shock were Carrick to stick with the system that became nothing but a cross to bear for Amorim.
Carrick very rarely deviated from a 4-2-3-1 formation at Middlesbrough, sometimes to his detriment, with a scarcity of a ‘plan B’ often cited as one in every of the explanations his failed to realize promotion.
But this technique appears to be perfectly suited to the Red Devils squad. Too often it has been a case of square pegs in round holes for United over the past yr. Simplifying matters would be the interim boss’ best plan of action within the six months he has.
Reintegrate Mainoo and revive his United fortunes
As he could have been privately hoping for all season, Kobbie Mainoo has managed to outlast Ruben Amorim. With no Premier League starts to his name, it has been a miserable campaign however the change in system will certainly open up a job in midfield for the 20-year-old.
United are desperately wanting the controlling, calm presence Carrick once provided within the engine room. Who higher to show Mainoo the ropes.
It is a two-way street – United need inspiration in midfield and Mainoo must deliver if he’s to face any likelihood of forcing his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad heading to the World Cup next summer. There could be no more excuses.
Unleash Fernandes in his old role
Restoring Mainoo to midfield and a shift in system could see Bruno Fernandes restored to the more advanced role where he has historically been at his prolific best in Manchester.
The Portugal international scored 44 goals and laid on 35 assists in his 97 games while Carrick served as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s assistant, averaging 0.81 goal contributions per game.
It would require some tinkering with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo also in the image however the rewards might be enormous.
Fernandes has performed admirably in his deeper role this season however it is further up the pitch where he’s most dangerous. Amid reports the captain has had enough of Old Trafford, keeping him completely satisfied is a top priority.
Tony Mogan, live sports editor,
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