Manchester United have announced the appointment of Michael Carrick as head coach of the men’s first team until the end of the 2025/26 season.
This is detailed in a statement released by the club’s Communications Department on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
The club said: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Carrick as head coach of the men’s first team until the end of the 2025/26 season.”
Carrick, a former midfielder, made 464 appearances for the club and enjoyed an extensive trophy haul.
According to the statement, he won, “five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup.”
Following his retirement from playing in 2018, Carrick joined the club’s coaching setup, where he: “served under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.”
The club noted that after Solskjaer’s exit: “Carrick led the club with distinction during his role as caretaker manager.”
Before this appointment, Carrick was in charge at Middlesbrough, where: “The former England international was head coach at Middlesbrough for two-and-a-half years from October 2022.”
Speaking on his appointment, Carrick said: “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour.”
He added: “I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing.”
Carrick said he has confidence in the squad.
He noted: “I have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years, I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here.”
He also pointed to the remainder of the campaign, saying: “There is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves.”
Manchester United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, also spoke on the appointment, saying: “Michael is an excellent coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United.”
Wilcox added: “He is ready to lead our talented and determined group of players for the remainder of the season as we continue to build the club towards regular and sustained success.”
Carrick will work with an expanded coaching team.
The club confirmed that: “Carrick will be supported by Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, Jonny Evans and Craig Mawson.”
The club also acknowledged the contribution of Darren Fletcher, stating: “The club would like to place on record its gratitude to Darren Fletcher for his leadership during the last week.”
It added that: “Fletcher will remain as lead coach of the Under-18s, playing a vital role in developing players ready to perform in a winning Manchester United first team.”
