Manchester United have officially appointed Michael Carrick as their new permanent manager. The 44-year-old has penned a deal through 2028 with the option of an additional year, following an outstanding stint as the club's interim boss.
Carrick claimed victory in 11 of his 16 matches in the temporary position, transforming the Red Devils' season after they dismissed Ruben Amorim in January. United's remarkable resurgence has seen them secure UEFA Champions League qualification for the first time in three years, with a thrilling 3-2 home victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday clinching third place with a game to spare.
Following victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Liverpool, Carrick emerged as the overwhelming frontrunner for the permanent role.
Several United players, including Matheus Cunha (left) and Casemiro (right), had backed Carrick to be handed the permanent role -Credit:Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images
United's hierarchy conducted due diligence on candidates, including Unai Emery and Andoni Iraola, but ultimately opted for their former midfielder, who accumulated 18 major trophies during his 12-year stint at Old Trafford as a player, as per The Mirror .
CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox jointly put forward Carrick's appointment to the club's leadership. Part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe spearheads football-related decisions, though the Glazer family retains ultimate authority.
Reports had circulated for several days that Carrick's appointment had been agreed upon, yet United delayed before making the official confirmation.
Carrick has recently been involved in United's recruitment meetings, with preparations for the summer transfer window already well underway. Both players and staff were supportive of his appointment.
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The 44-year-old's sole prior managerial experience came with Middlesbrough, where he spent two-and-a-half years at the Riverside. Carrick also served as a first-team coach at United under both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from 2018 to 2021.
When he returned to Old Trafford in January, United were sitting seventh in the Premier League table and had secured just one victory in their previous seven matches across all competitions. Amorim was dismissed in early January before Darren Fletcher took interim charge for two games.
Carrick guided the club to victories in each of his opening four matches, significantly bolstering United's prospects of securing Champions League qualification. The Red Devils clinched their spot in Europe's premier competition for next season with three games remaining, defeating rivals Liverpool 3-2 at home earlier this month.
