Michael Carrick speaks out as Man Utd confirm his return as interim manager

Michael Carrick has been appointe Man Utd interim manager for the second time (Photo: Getty)

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as their interim head coach until the end of the season.

Carrick has been selected over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the two United legends held talks with the club’s hierarchy, including Director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, over the weekend.

Following Ruben Amorim’s shock sacking last week, Darren Fletcher had taken charge of the first-team and the Under-18s boss may well join Carrick’s backroom staff.

Fletcher had overseen a 2-2 draw with Burnley in the Premier League and United’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Brighton on Sunday.

Carrick, 44, is only expected be in the Old Trafford dugout until the end of the season, with the club planning to name a permanent successor to Amorim this summer.

Thomas Tuchel, Oliver Glasner and Gareth Southgate are among the many names tipped for the job .

‘Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour,’ said Carrick.

‘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.

‘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.

‘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.’

Carrick was chosen over former United player and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Photo: Getty)

Former England international Carrick is one of United’s greatest ever midfielders, making 464 appearances across 12 trophy-laden years, with his accolades including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Upon hanging up his boots up in 2018, he joined United’s coaching staff, serving as assistant manager to Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer.

When the latter was relieved of his duties in 2021, he stepped in as caretaker manager for three games, winning two and drawing one, including a 3-2 victory over Arsenal, before the arrival of Ralf Rangnick.

Carrick’s first full-time position was at Middlesbrough, but he was sacked last summer after failing to win promotion during his three seasons at the Championship club.

Ruben Amorim was sacked following an explosive press conference after United’s draw at Leeds (Photo: Getty)

United have tasked him with securing Champions League qualification, something which is very much achievable with the Red Devils currently seventh in the Premier League table and just a point off the top-five.

But Carrick could not have been given a more difficult start to his second spell at Old Trafford, with the Manchester derby on Saturday followed by a trip to league leaders Arsenal.

@metrosportuk Is Carrick a good choice for United? 🤷‍♂️ Manchester United legend Michael Carrick has reportedly emerged as the favourite to step in as caretaker manager for the Red Devils following Ruben Amorim’s sacking, is it actually a good idea to bring him in? #carrick #manchesterunited #middlesbrough #premierleague #championship ♬ original sound - Metro Sport

Mainoo could be reborn following Amorim's exit (Picture: Getty)

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