Michael Carrick has reached a verbal agreement with Man United to become interim head coach until the end of the season.
According to Sky Sports News, negotiations took place late on Monday night and all outstanding issues have been resolved.
Gareth Southgate’s former England assistant coach Steve Holland will become Carrick’s number two, while former Boro assistant and Leeds player Jonathan Woodgate, current Under-21 coach Travis Binion and Jonny Evans, who returned to the club during Darren Fletcher’s interim period, will also be part of the backroom team.
Meanwhile, Fletcher is expected to return as United’s Under-18 manager.
Details of the deal are currently being finalized by lawyers for both sides, with Mr Carrick likely to sign the documents late Tuesday afternoon.
The former United midfielder arrived at Carrington’s training ground on Tuesday morning and met with director of football Jason Wilcox.
Both sides hope the deal can be finalized as soon as possible so that Carrick can start preparing to train on Wednesday, when the players are due to return for Saturday’s lunchtime Manchester derby, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Saturday, January 17th 11am
12:30pm kickoff
How Carrick emerged as a top candidate for the role
Carrick had emerged as the frontrunner for the interim role after the club held talks with both the former Middlesboro manager and Ole Gunnar Solskjær following the departure of manager Ruben Amorim on January 5.
Sky Sports News understands that those at the club are impressed with Carrick’s plans for the remainder of the season.
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Sky Sports’ David Reid looks at how Manchester United could potentially line up under Carrick, analyzing his style of play during his time at Middlesboro.
After losing 2-1 to Brighton in the FA Cup on Sunday, United now have to focus solely on the Premier League with caretaker manager Fletcher in charge. The loss accelerated plans to name an interim head coach.
Carrick made 464 appearances for the club during his 12 years at Old Trafford, but after retiring in 2018 he remained at Old Trafford as part of Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff.
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Darren Fletcher gave an honest verdict on Manchester United after Sunday’s FA Cup defeat
Following Mourinho’s sacking in December of that year, Carrick was briefly appointed caretaker manager, but upon being appointed interim he joined Solskjær’s backroom staff.
Both were briefly linked as potential replacements for Ruben Amorim, but both remained at the club permanently when Solskjær was handed the role in March 2019.
The Norwegian was sacked in November 2021 and Carrick returned to his role as caretaker manager, completing a three-game unbeaten run as manager, with wins against Villarreal and Arsenal and a point against Chelsea.
Carrick resigned his position and left the club upon the arrival of Ralph Rangnick, before becoming Middlesbrough manager in October 2022.
At the time of his appointment, Boro were in 21st place, one point above the relegation zone, but although they rose to fourth place, they lost to Coventry City in the play-off semi-finals that year, narrowly missing out on promotion.
Carrick then led the team to eighth and 10th place finishes in the following two seasons before leaving in June 2025.
“Carrick could sign a contract this afternoon.”
Dan Khan of Sky Sports News at Old Trafford:
“Carrick could sign a contract as soon as this afternoon. This is important as Manchester United have 17 games left this season to fight for Champions League qualification.”
“United also met directly with Ole Gunnar Solskjær on Saturday. Ruud van Nistelrooy was also an option. United were very impressed with Carrick in the process and decided to hold further talks with him.”
Carrick could be equally excited or frustrated at Middlesbrough
Sky Sports EFL Editor Simeon Gollum:
The first was bright for Michael Carrick and Middlesbrough.
Upon taking over in October 2022, the club were sitting just above the relegation zone, but some scintillating attacking football saw them reach the play-offs by the end of the season, although they ultimately fell short in the semi-final against Coventry.
Sadly, he hasn’t been able to really replicate his early success since then as key players have moved on. The soccer was still good, but often lacked the cutting edge. Middlesbrough became known for dominating matches and creating chance after chance, but ultimately fouls on counter-attacks and defensive mistakes cost them points.
That goal was the lowest for a playoff appearance, and Carrick failed to reach it over the next two seasons, leading to him losing his job last summer. Steve Gibson is one of England’s most patient club owners and it was a disappointing move to part ways with a highly likeable man who was keen to succeed on Teeside.
He had a clear playing style, wanted to dominate, attack and create chances. If Middlesbrough are at their best throughout his tenure, it could be a dazzling watch for Middlesbrough. But too often, when things go wrong, the accusation that there is no plan B has been deployed. Even if Boro don’t win much, they generally don’t win at all.
This style could translate very well to Old Trafford, given Manchester United’s high quality and the less rigorous nature of the Premier League, especially given their bare-bones schedule for the remainder of the season.
What is Carrick’s style?
Carrick primarily played in a 4-2-3-1 formation during his time at Middlesbrough, although he occasionally reverted to Sir Alex Ferguson’s 4-4-2 on six occasions. This is more than the five times he opted for a three-back system.
Under him, Middlesbrough led the league in high turnover and fast breaks, while also ranking among the top teams in build-up attack and direct attack.
Considering this, Carrick is likely to introduce a 4-2-3-1 with an attacking press, combining a patient possession-based build-up with frequent switches to long passes and quick transitions.
Manchester United’s next 5 games
January 17: Man City (H) – Premier League, kick-off 12:30pm, live on Sky Sports January 25: Arsenal (A) – Premier League, kick-off 4:30pm, live on Sky Sports February 1: Fulham (H) – Premier League, kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports February 7: Tottenham (H) – Premier League, kick-off 12:30pm, live on Sky Sports February 10: West Ham (A) – Premier League, kick-off 8:15pm
