The former Middlesbrough boss presents a ‘long-term vision’ to Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox ahead of daunting debut against Manchester City.
Michael Carrick is not planning to be just a “stop-gap” solution at Old Trafford. Despite his current contract only running until the end of the 2025/26 season, the former Manchester United midfielder has internally expressed his desire to secure the managerial position on a permanent basis.
According to reports from TEAMtalk, Carrick has already held detailed meetings with United executives, including CEO Omar Berrada and Technical Director Jason Wilcox. During these talks, Carrick reportedly impressed the board with the clarity of his tactical project, positioning himself as the man to bring stability back to the club following Ruben Amorim’s departure.
A History of Stability Carrick’s confidence stems from his previous unbeaten stint as interim boss in 2021. After Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s exit, Carrick led the Red Devils to victories over Villarreal and Arsenal, alongside a hard-fought draw against Chelsea.
His recent work at Middlesbrough, where he spent three seasons building a reputation for fluid, attacking football, has further convinced him that he is ready for the “highest level” of the Premier League.
The New-Look Coaching Staff To bolster his candidacy, Carrick has assembled an experienced backroom team. The arrival of Steve Holland, the former England national team assistant, is seen as a major coup. Joining them are:
- Jonathan Woodgate (Assistant)
- Travis Binnion (First-team coach)
- Jonny Evans (Transition coach)
Notably, Darren Fletcher, who temporarily led the side after Amorim’s exit, has chosen to return to his role with the Under-18s, allowing Carrick to lead with a fresh perspective.
The Ultimate Litmus Test Carrick’s permanent ambitions will be tested immediately. His “debut” comes in the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford, followed by a high-stakes trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal. With the January transfer window now open, Carrick believes that a strong run of results in these crucial fixtures will make it difficult for the board to look elsewhere for a “definitive” replacement.
