Manchester United have named Michael Carrick as their permanent head coach, handing the 44-year-old a deal running until 2028. The Premier League club described the appointment as a reward for the rapid improvement seen since he took charge, with United’s fortunes changing dramatically in a little more than half a season.
Since stepping into the role, Carrick has led the team to 11 wins from 16 matches. Results have included victories over Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea, lifting United to third place in the league. That climb has also secured qualification for next season’s Champions League, marking a major step back towards the club’s top-tier ambitions.
In his first comments after the decision, Carrick said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Carrick concluded: “Now it’s time to move forward together again, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose.”
United originally brought him in on an interim basis to replace Ruben Amorim. Carrick has gone beyond expectations during that stretch, reshaping the atmosphere around Old Trafford and earning the trust of the dressing room, with players firmly behind him for the permanent appointment.
A club figure through and through, Carrick previously served as caretaker manager in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was dismissed. As a player, he made 464 appearances for United across all competitions, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.
