In a significant move to steady their ship, Manchester United have reportedly agreed a deal to bring former midfielder Michael Carrick back to the club as their interim manager. The appointment is set to cover the remainder of the current football season.
Carrington Arrival Signals Deal Completion
Reports confirmed on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, that an agreement in principle is now in place. The development was signalled by Carrick himself, who was photographed arriving at the club's Carrington training ground. An official confirmation from the club is expected to follow later in the day.
This marks a return to the Old Trafford dugout for the 44-year-old, who enjoyed a decorated 12-year playing career with the Red Devils, winning 12 major trophies. He previously held the caretaker manager role for a brief period in 2021, overseeing an unbeaten three-match run.
From Middlesbrough Dismissal to United Rescue Mission
Carrick's most recent managerial post was at Middlesbrough, where he was appointed in October 2022. His first season was promising, guiding the club to the Championship play-offs. However, his tenure ended in June following a 10th-place finish in the second tier.
His return to Manchester comes after United's decision to part ways with Ruben Amorim last week. The Portuguese coach's dismal 14-month spell led to his dismissal. Since then, caretaker boss Darren Fletcher has overseen mixed results, including a 2-2 draw with Burnley in the league and a 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton.
A Season of Few Games and a Top-Four Imperative
The club's early exits from both domestic cups mean they will play only 40 matches this season – their lowest tally since the 1914/1915 campaign. With no European football, the focus is intensely on the Premier League.
Currently sitting seventh, the 20-time English champions are just three points outside the top four and one point behind fifth-placed Brentford. Securing a top-four finish would guarantee a return to the lucrative Champions League, with a top-five spot also likely to be sufficient due to the strong coefficient performance of English clubs in Europe this season.
United had also held talks with another former player and manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, regarding a potential return before settling on Carrick. The new interim boss faces an immediate baptism of fire, as his first game in charge is likely to be the highly anticipated Manchester derby against City at Old Trafford on Saturday.
