Michael Carrick confirmed as Manchester United's permanent head coach until 2028
Manchester, May 22
Manchester United have announced Michael Carrick as their permanent head coach, having signed a new contract that will run until 2028.
The 44-year-old took interim charge after Ruben Amorim was sacked in January and was awarded the Premier League Manager of the Month award after victories against Manchester City and Arsenal in his first two games in charge.
Carrick has overseen qualification into next season's UEFA Champions League with 11 wins from 16 games, accumulating the highest points tally in the Premier League since his arrival.
"From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United. Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride. Throughout the past five months, this group of players have shown they can reach the standards of resilience, togetherness, and determination that we demand here.
"Now it's time to move forward together again, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose. Manchester United and our incredible supporters deserve to be challenging for the biggest honours again," Carrick said in a statement shared by the Premier League club on Friday.
He joined the first-team coaching staff when he retired in 2018 and served under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Following Solskjaer's departure, Carrick led the club with distinction during his role as caretaker manager. The former England international was head coach at Middlesbrough for two-and-a-half years from October 2022.
One of United's most successful and decorated players, Carrick played 464 games for the club, winning five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League, the UEFA Europa League, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Jason Wilcox, Manchester United director of football, said, "Michael has thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue leading our men's team. In the time he has been doing the role, we have seen positive results on the pitch, but more than that, an approach that aligns with the club's values, traditions, and history.
"Michael's achievements in leading the club back to the Champions League should not be understated. He has forged a strong bond with the players and can be proud of the winning culture at Carrington and in the dressing room, which we are continuing to build."
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a long-time United supporter from Mumbai, I have mixed feelings. I admire Carrick's loyalty and his interim performance, but 16 games is a small sample size. Remember how Ole started? But I respect the board's faith. Let's see if he can handle the pressure of a full season. All the best, Michael! 🙏
Carrick is a legend, no doubt. But I feel that this is a bit premature. The club should've done a proper search. What if he struggles next season? We'll be back to square one. Still, I hope I'm wrong. He deserves the chance after that fantastic run. The Champions League qualification is huge! 🏆
You know what, I'm actually excited. Carrick has that calm, composed demeanor. He's been part of the club's golden era as a player and has learned from the best - Fergie, Mourinho, Ole. Plus, his Middlesbrough stint taught him how to manage on his own. This feels right. Come on United! 💪
I appreciate Carrick's humility and his connection with the players. But I'm a bit skeptical about his tactical flexibility. We saw at Middlesbrough that things went downhill after a good start. That said, he's got a better squad now and the backing of the board. Let's hope he proves the doubters wrong!
As someone who follows football here in Bangalore, I think this is a smart move by United. Carrick has restored the culture and discipline that was missing. The players respect him. The results are there to see. Irony is that he
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.