Softfootball understands that Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle to appoint Michael Carrick as caretaker manager until the end of the 2025–26 season, with all contractual details now wrapped up, including plans for his backroom staff, as reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
He posted:
BREAKING: Michael Carrick signs in as new Manchester United caretaker manager until the end of the season. Verbal agreement since yesterday, now sorted in all details + backroom staff also. MUFC official announcement to follow next.
The move follows the sudden dismissal of Ruben Amorim and his coaching team after a serious breakdown in relations with the club sporting director.
The situation escalated quickly. Tensions reportedly boiled over during and after United’s 1–1 draw with Leeds United, with internal disagreements spilling into the public eye. INEOS, the club’s co-owners, stepped in and made the call to reset the dressing room and the technical area before the situation worsened any further.
Carrick, a Manchester United legend, is expected to be officially confirmed later today. During his playing career at Old Trafford, he won 12 major trophies across 12 seasons and was widely respected for his calm leadership and football intelligence.
This appointment marks Carrick’s second spell as interim manager of the club. Back in November 2021, following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking, he took charge of three matches, recording wins against Villarreal and Arsenal, plus a draw away at Chelsea.
That short run earned him praise for composure under pressure, something United badly need right now.
After leaving United , Carrick went on to manage Middlesbrough from October 2022. His debut season saw Boro reach the Championship play-offs, followed by an EFL Cup semi-final run the next year. However, a 10th-place finish in the 2024–25 campaign led to his dismissal in June 2025.
Carrick’s first match back in the dugout is set to be a huge one: a Manchester derby against City at Old Trafford this Saturday. He is expected to take his first training session on Wednesday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was considered, but sources say Carrick quickly became the preferred option after direct talks with Omar Berrada and Wilcox. For now, United want calm, familiarity, and stability. Carrick knows the job is temporary, but at Old Trafford, temporary roles can still define legacies.
