Crisis-hit Manchester United names ex-player Michael Carrick interim manager for rest of 2025 season

Manchester United has confirmed the appointment of former player Michael Carrick as interim manager, tasked with leading the team until the conclusion of the 2025 season. The announcement, made on Tuesday, December 13, 2025, signals a new direction for the club following a challenging period.

Carrick steps into the role vacated by Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed earlier this December, facing an immediate high-stakes test. His inaugural match at the helm will be a pivotal derby against fierce rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday, December 17, 2025.

The club’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, expressed confidence in Carrick, stating, “Michael is an excellent coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United.” Wilcox emphasized Carrick’s readiness to guide the squad toward regular and sustainable success.

Urgent mission at struggling Old Trafford

Carrick inherits a team grappling with significant underperformance, currently occupying the seventh position in the Premier League table. This standing places them a considerable 17 points adrift of the league leader, Arsenal, highlighting the depth of their struggles.

Adding to the club’s woes, Manchester United has already faced early eliminations from both domestic cup competitions this season. Their recent exit from the FA Cup, following a 2-1 home defeat to Brighton on Sunday, December 11, 2025, underscores the team’s current predicament.

This series of setbacks means the club is on track for its shortest season since 1914-15, with only 40 games remaining across all competitions. The limited schedule intensifies the pressure on Carrick to deliver immediate improvements and restore some pride to the team.

The club’s performance has left fans yearning for stability and success, making Carrick’s appointment a critical move in attempting to salvage what remains of the 2025 campaign. The immediate challenge is to rally a talented but underperforming squad.

Carrick’s commitment to club standards

Taking on the leadership of Manchester United is an honor, Carrick stated, underscoring his deep understanding of the club’s winning culture. His immediate focus revolves around elevating player performance to meet the high expectations established at Old Trafford.

Carrick further declared that the current squad possesses the capability to achieve these standards, expressing optimism about the remainder of the season. He affirmed the team’s commitment to uniting and delivering performances that reward the loyal support of their fanbase.

Familiar territory and a challenging transition

This marks a return to a familiar temporary leadership role for Carrick, who previously served as interim manager in 2021 following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. His prior experience provides a unique perspective on navigating the complexities of the club during transitional periods.

According to a source close to the team, three candidates were interviewed for the interim position, with British media reports indicating that Solskjaer himself was among those considered for a potential return. This suggests a thorough, albeit swift, selection process.

Before Carrick’s appointment, former teammate and Under-18 coach Darren Fletcher briefly took charge as interim manager after Amorim’s dismissal. However, Fletcher’s two games in command did not yield a victory, including a 2-2 draw against last-placed Burnley.

A United legend steps into the hot seat

Carrick boasts an impressive history with Manchester United, having made 464 appearances across all competitions during his illustrious playing career. His tenure as a player saw him secure five Premier League titles and a coveted Champions League trophy, cementing his status as a club icon.

His transition into coaching included a stint as manager of Middlesbrough, a club in England’s second tier. Carrick’s arrival at Middlesbrough in October 2022 was met with initial success, as he took over a team languishing in 21st position in the Championship and swiftly transformed their fortunes.

Mixed fortunes at Middlesbrough

Carrick quickly spearheaded a remarkable turnaround at Middlesbrough, guiding them to a fourth-place finish and a spot in the promotion playoffs during his first season. The following campaign saw the team reach the semifinals of the League Cup, showcasing his tactical acumen.

Despite these promising early results, Middlesbrough ultimately failed to secure promotion to the Premier League under his leadership. The team concluded his final two seasons in eighth and tenth positions, respectively, leading to Carrick’s dismissal in June of the previous year.

Immediate challenges and season outlook

Carrick now faces the arduous task of stabilizing a team that appears to be at a crossroads, needing a significant turnaround to salvage a disappointing season. The club remains in contention for European qualification, a crucial objective for the remainder of the campaign.

The immediate focus will be on the upcoming Manchester Derby, a fixture that provides an early opportunity for Carrick to instil his philosophy and ignite a renewed sense of purpose within the squad. Navigating the remainder of 2025 will test his leadership.