Interim head coach Michael Carrick faces a crucial task as Manchester United look to revive their season and push for Champions League qualification
Michael Carrick has been appointed interim head coach of Manchester United following the club’s decision to part ways with Ruben Amorim. The former midfielder, who made over 450 appearances for United as a player, steps into the role at a critical point in the season, with the club drifting outside the Champions League places and already eliminated from both domestic cup competitions.
United confirmed Carrick’s appointment in an official club statement, with the 43-year-old returning to the Old Trafford dugout in a senior capacity for the first time since his previous spell as part of the coaching staff. Carrick acknowledged the scale of the task ahead, describing the role as “a huge honour” and stressing his determination to help the team stabilise during a turbulent campaign.
“I know what this club means to the fans and to the players,” Carrick said upon his appointment. “I’m proud to be asked to take on this responsibility and my focus is on getting the best out of the squad every day.” He also made it clear that his role is to provide leadership and clarity in the short term, adding that the players must “stick together and work hard” during a challenging period.
Manchester United are expected to appoint a long-term head coach in the summer, meaning Carrick’s tenure is likely to be measured in months rather than years. That reality sharpens his brief. Rather than long-term rebuilding, his priority is to steady the ship, restore confidence and leave the club in a healthier place for his successor.
Three things Carrick must fix immediately
Front-footed football
With United already out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, there is little left to lose. Champions League qualification remains the only realistic target, and Carrick can afford to loosen the reins.
Supporters have grown weary of cautious, reactive performances, and a return to front-footed football would help reconnect the team with the stands. Carrick knows better than most what “the United way” looks like, and encouraging attacking intent could quickly lift the mood around Old Trafford.
Reviving Kobbie Mainoo
Few players will feel more optimistic after Amorim’s departure than Kobbie Mainoo. The young midfielder found himself increasingly marginalised under the previous regime, despite being widely regarded as one of the club’s brightest talents.
Carrick, a former elite central midfielder himself, is well placed to nurture Mainoo’s development. Restoring him to a prominent role would not only benefit the player but also signal a renewed commitment to youth and technical quality.
Re-establishing standards and culture
Perhaps Carrick’s most important task lies away from the pitch. Reports of dressing-room unrest and a fractured culture have become depressingly familiar at United in recent seasons.
Carrick was part of a dressing room defined by professionalism, accountability and humility, and he understands the standards once demanded at the club. Even in an interim role, he can begin resetting expectations, ensuring a cleaner, more disciplined environment for whoever takes charge on a permanent basis.
Carrick’s spell may be temporary, but its impact does not have to be insignificant if he gets these fundamentals right.