Manchester United has turned too a familiar face to navigate a pivotal stretch of the Premier League season, naming Michael Carrick as interim manager following the departure of Robin Amorim. The appointment, announced Tuesday, comes as the 20-time English champions vie for a coveted top-four finish and a return to Champions League competition-a pursuit further elaborate by a reduced schedule of just 40 matches, the fewest for the club since 1915. Carrick will promptly prepare the team for Saturday’s highly anticipated Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
Manchester United has appointed former captain and player Michael Carrick as interim manager through the end of the current season, the Premier League club announced. The move comes after the dismissal of manager Robin Amorim.
The 44-year-old midfielder, who previously served as caretaker manager for a brief period in 2021, will take the helm in Saturday’s highly anticipated Manchester derby against rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford (1:30 PM local time). The match is part of the 22nd round of the Premier League season.
“Taking charge of Manchester United is a huge honour,” said Carrick. “I know what it takes to succeed here. My focus now is on helping the players reach the standards we expect at this exceptional club, and a standard I believe this group is fully capable of achieving.”
He added, “There is still a lot to play for this season, and we are all determined to unite and deliver the performances our loyal supporters deserve.”
The “Red Devils” parted ways with Amorim last week after 14 months, citing unsatisfactory results and clear disagreements over strategy.
Carrick, who won 12 major trophies during his 12-year playing career with United, previously managed Middlesbrough, taking charge in October 2022.
He guided Middlesbrough to the Championship playoff race in his first season before being relieved of his duties in June after the team finished 10th in the second tier.
United also held discussions with former manager and player Ole Gunnar Solskjær regarding a potential return to the club.
Interim manager Darren Fletcher oversaw a 2-2 draw against Burnley and a 1-2 loss to Brighton in the FA Cup.
United’s early exits from both domestic cup competitions, coupled with their absence from continental competition, mean the team will play just 40 matches this season – their fewest since the 1914-1915 campaign.
The 20-time English champions currently sit seventh in the Premier League, just three points off the top four and one point behind fifth-placed Brentford. Securing a top-four finish would guarantee a return to the Champions League, while fifth place could also be sufficient due to the strong performance of English clubs in European competitions this season.
Michael Carrick. (Manchester United’s X account)
