Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has emerged as the leading candidate to take over as the club’s caretaker head coach, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
BBC Sport reported on Monday that United’s hierarchy is keen to have a temporary manager in place before players return to training on Wednesday.
Talks with the 44-year-old are said to be at an advanced stage, although a final decision has not yet been reached.
Carrick previously stepped into the caretaker role in 2021 following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. During his brief three-match spell in charge, he recorded two wins and a draw before making way for Ralf Rangnick, who was appointed interim manager.
Sources also confirmed that Solskjaer has held face-to-face discussions with the club about a possible return, with talks taking place on Saturday. However, Carrick’s familiarity with the club, coupled with his past experience in the caretaker role, appears to have placed him ahead in the race.
Manchester United parted ways with Ruben Amorim on January 5, bringing an end to his 14-month spell in charge. Former midfielder Darren Fletcher was asked to take temporary control of the team but is expected to step aside following Sunday’s FA Cup third-round defeat to Brighton. Fletcher also oversaw a Premier League draw against Burnley last Wednesday.
Carrick enjoyed a highly successful playing career at Old Trafford, making 464 appearances between 2006 and 2018 after joining from Tottenham Hotspur under Sir Alex Ferguson. Following his retirement, he moved directly into coaching, becoming part of Jose Mourinho’s backroom staff before continuing with the first team during Solskjaer’s tenure.
His only permanent managerial role to date was at Middlesbrough, where he spent two and a half years in charge before being dismissed in June last year. During his time at the Riverside Stadium, Carrick led the club to the Championship play-offs in the 2022/23 season, losing to Coventry City in the semi-finals, and narrowly missed out on a top-six finish in the seasons that followed.
Although Carrick lacks the managerial experience of Solskjaer, Manchester United believe his deep understanding of the club’s culture, players, and dressing-room dynamics could be crucial as they seek short-term stability during a turbulent period.
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