Manchester United appoint Michael Carrick as permanent head coach

Michael Carrick has been appointed Manchester United’s permanent head coach on a two-year contract.

The club confirmed the appointment ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Brighton and Hove Albion, United’s final game of the campaign, and follows a successful interim spell in charge for Carrick — who has won 11 of his 16 matches in charge.

The Athletic reported last week that United had reached a broad agreement for Carrick to become the club’s new permanent head coach after co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe gave his green light following an executive committee meeting, in which chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox made the recommendation for Carrick to get the job full-time.

“From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United,” Carrick said upon the announcement. “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, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose. Manchester United and our incredible supporters deserve to be challenging for the biggest honours again.”

Since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim as head coach on a deal until the end of the season in January, United have taken 36 points from their 16 matches, securing a return to the Champions League next season. Notably, he has led United to wins over Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.

The club had previously been weighing up their options over a permanent summer appointment, considering Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, who is leaving his club this summer, and Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, with staff members making background checks on several candidates.

“Michael has thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue leading our men’s team,” Wilcox added. “In the time he has been doing the role, we have seen positive results on the pitch, but more than that, an approach which 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.”

Carrick made 464 appearances and won five Premier League titles in 12 years at United as a player, while he also held a temporary head coach role following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer in November 2021, winning twice and drawing once in that time.

Following his subsequent exit, Carrick spent over two-and-a-half years in charge of Middlesbrough. With the team 21st when he was appointed, Carrick guided the side to a top-four finish and the play-offs, before losing in the semi-finals to Coventry City.

Middlesbrough finished eighth in 2024 and 10th in 2025 under Carrick.

Carrick received public backing for the permanent job from members of the United squad, including Kobbie Mainoo, Matheus Cunha and Casemiro.

United are guaranteed to finish the season third ahead of Sunday’s final game at the Amex Stadium.

Why it makes sense for Man United to stick with Michael Carrick

Laurie Whitwell

0:00 / 1:30

Can Carrick turn United into title challengers?

Analysis by Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell

It is good news that Ratcliffe has, as expected, ratified the call made by United’s football leaders to select Carrick as the team’s permanent head coach. He earned the chance through his work since January, both on and off the pitch, while his caretaker spell in 2021 is also worth considering. Twice he has steadied United in times of turmoil.

The question is whether he can now turn United into title challengers — and nobody yet knows the answer because his only other job in management came at Middlesbrough.

United considered the options, and made proper checks. In a different scenario, were the World Cup not on or Luis Enrique available, they might have gone for an outside appointment.

An initial two-year contract is a campaign shorter than most clubs would offer but is similar to Amorim’s deal, which ran to 2027 when signed in November 2024. If he is successful next season these terms mean a new contract could be looked at in as soon as 12 months’ time.

Carrick has been aided by his coaches to this point, so it is right they should stay with him if they wish. Steve Holland, in particular, is seen as having significant influence.

The desire to add a set-piece coach shows that evolution is part of the equation.