Manchester United will keep Michael Carrick as head coach until the end of the season, but why did Rob Dorsett and Danial Khan break through the club’s hierarchy and Jason Wilcox was appointed…
When Ruben Amorim was sacked last week, those close to him told us that the Portuguese manager was surprised and struggling with so much noise in and around Old Trafford. Amorim confided to friends how it was impossible to fully prepare for or anticipate what the unique challenges of being a Manchester United mainstay would be.
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Manchester United have appointed Michael Carrick as interim head coach until the end of the season.
United’s managers had no intention of making the same mistake twice.
That’s why the shortlist for United’s interim head coach was made up entirely of United old boys. Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Carrick led the way.
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Speaking on the Inside Carrington Podcast, Michael Carrick said it was an “incredible feeling” to be returning to Manchester United after being appointed head coach until the end of the season. Video credit: Inside Carrington Podcast
The club’s hierarchy, led by director of football Jason Wilcox, wanted someone who knew the club well, had experienced the pressure and expectations, felt comfortable in a difficult environment where the spotlight was bright and the atmosphere within the fan base was still filled with frustration, and someone who would remember past glories.
Michael Carrick was front and center in its illustrious past. As a player under manager Sir Alex Ferguson, he won the Premier League five times, the Champions League once, the Europa League once, the FA Cup once, the League Cup twice and the Club World Cup once. His first coaching experience was at Jose Mourinho’s Old Trafford, where he briefly served as caretaker manager on either side of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign. United’s leaders are as confident as they can be that he will not be fazed by the environment he steps back into.
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It is clear that the club’s higher-ups did not want to change head coaches midway through the season, but poor results and a complete breakdown in relations with Mr. Amorim forced the club to act. Many fans and commentators will wonder why United have not appointed a new high-profile manager sooner. But the reality is that Manchester United don’t have the ability to attract the world’s elite coaches that they did a decade ago. European soccer doesn’t exist. Budgets are tight. A major reorganization of the entire club is still taking place.
It was therefore wise for the club to take a pragmatic approach and hold off on any major decisions regarding the next big boss until the summer, when more big names could be signed. Once this decision was made, the question became who could best run the remainder of the season and give the team the best chance of achieving European football in 2026/27.
It was decided that the man was Carrick. And even though neither he nor anyone on the coaching staff had worked with Steve Holland before, there was a unanimous feeling that his experience and tactical knowledge could prove invaluable. Importantly, I was able to start work immediately without having to pay any compensation.
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Sky Sports’ David Reid looks at how Manchester United could line up under manager Michael Carrick and analyzes his style of play during his time at Middlesbrough.
Another important factor in Carrick’s appointment was his familiarity with United’s power structure. Wilcox works closely with the head coach on strategy, philosophy and team selection. In the end, it was the great disagreement and Amorim’s reluctance to cooperate tactically with Wilcox that won him over.
Carrick has made it clear he is happy to work within United’s existing system, pointing out that he worked closely and effectively with head of football Kieran Scott at Middlesbrough. He also impressed in interviews with his ability to lead the team and his deep knowledge of the players already at the club.
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Although Carrick was sometimes criticized for his lack of adaptability at the Riverside Stadium, he remained true to his football philosophy, in which dominating the football and the opposition was the main game plan. That idea also fits with the type of football Wilcox wants to see this United team play.
Why not Solskjaer?
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was keen to become permanent head coach for the second time
But what about the other potential candidate, Ole Gunnar Solskjær?
The buzz from early on in Solskjaer’s camp was that he was not only interested in the role, but that he was a favorite to win. This was a disconcerting realization, given that it was clear within Carrington that no decision would be made until the two candidates had been discussed.
Sources say United bosses were impressed after meeting Carrick in person last Thursday. More so than with Solskjaer.
As mentioned above, his philosophy and tactical approach undoubtedly influenced the likes of Wilcox and Berrada, but his willingness to take on the role with no guarantee of a permanent role at the end of the season also worked to his advantage in the process.
Solskjaer is understood to have wanted a permanent option if he performed well in the role, but United’s leaders were unwilling to accept that wish, making it clear the role would last until the end of the season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær was initially seen as the favorite to replace Ruben Amorim until the end of the season.
It must also be taken into account that the possible return of Solskjær, who was manager under the previous government, could be interpreted as a setback. After consistent messages that INEOS were progressive, questions would have been asked about returning to the former manager, who was not always successful in his first spell at the club. It was certainly popular with the fan base, but it was difficult to sell and it didn’t look very good.
Carrick thus began a limited reign as United’s main player. As it stands, he is unlikely to be given a long-term role in the summer, alongside the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Oliver Glasner, Carlo Ancelotti, Luis Enrique and Marco Silva. However, it is hoped that his appointment will be of benefit to both the manager and the club he currently manages.
He will need to be at his best, but he will be given a bit of leeway early on – with Manchester City at home and Arsenal away, it will be a baptism of fire.
Saturday, January 17th 11am
12:30pm kickoff
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
