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When Ruben Amorim’s turbulent 14-month spell as Manchester United’s manager ended in early 2026, it marked another chapter in the club’s ongoing search for stability.
The decision to part ways with the Portuguese coach left many wondering what direction the club would take next.
Amid the uncertainty, one name emerged as a figure of reassurance — Michael Carrick.
The former United midfielder, who had previously stepped into the managerial hot seat as an interim in 2021, was appointed as the club’s interim manager once again.
This time, he is tasked with righting the ship during a period of flux.
Familiar Surroundings
Carrick’s return to Old Trafford in a managerial capacity was both familiar and unexpected.
Known for his calm and composed presence as a player, Carrick had briefly tested the waters of management with a three-match stint at United in 2021.
Despite the short duration, he showed a tactical understanding that earned him praise for stabilizing a team in crisis.
Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough
His time as manager of Middlesbrough, which ended in the summer of 2025, further solidified his credentials.
There, Carrick demonstrated a keen tactical mind and a strong ability to mold a team — though his inability to secure promotion left questions about his readiness for the next step.
Nonetheless, the opportunity to step into the Manchester United role was one Carrick could not refuse — given his long history with the club and his understanding of its culture.
Poisoned Chalice?
The context of Carrick’s appointment was a complex one.
Under Amorim, United had struggled to achieve consistency, with performances often failing to match the club’s lofty expectations.
The sacking of Amorim came after a string of disappointing results, including a high-profile draw with Leeds that frustrated both players and supporters.
The club’s leadership, having grown impatient with Amorim’s inability to impose his tactical vision, decided to act quickly.
Eventually, they opted for a figure familiar to both the squad and the fanbase.
Enter Carrick, whose first task was clear: restore confidence, stabilize the squad, and, crucially, deliver results while the club’s hierarchy assessed their long-term managerial options.
New Beginning
In his opening press conference, Carrick displayed the calm and measured approach that had become his hallmark as a player.
While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he emphasized his belief in the squad’s potential and his commitment to getting the best out of the players.
This was an important message. The club needed not only tactical clarity but also a manager who could guide a team full of talented but underperforming individuals.
United Under Carrick: What to Expect
1. Change of formation and style of play
Carrick’s leadership style, grounded in discipline and attention to detail, promises to provide the structure and consistency that United had lacked under Amorim.
He is expected to make subtle adjustments to the team’s shape, likely adopting a more balanced 4-3-3 formation that allows for greater fluidity in attack while maintaining defensive solidity.
This approach will represent a shift from Amorim’s preference for a three-man defense, signaling Carrick’s intent to simplify the team’s tactical framework.
While not radically different, the new system will allow United to control possession better, reducing the unforced errors and vulnerabilities that had plagued their performances in recent months.
2. Bonding with the players
Additionally, Carrick’s man-management skills will shine through. He will hope to quickly restore confidence to players who had seen their form dip under Amorim’s tenure — such as Kobbie Mainoo, Joshua Zirkzee, and Benjamin Sesko.
Carrick’s ability to connect with players on a personal level — coupled with his in-depth knowledge of the club’s internal dynamics — will be crucial in fostering a sense of unity and purpose within the dressing room.
Players who had been peripheral figures under Amorim would hope to be reintegrated into the fold to showcase their true potential.
Carrick’s steady hand in guiding this group through a difficult period would soon become apparent. He will prove that he is indeed the right man to bring short-term stability.
3. Defensive solidity
One of Carrick’s most impressive traits is his emphasis on solid defensive organization.
Under Amorim, United had been porous at the back, conceding far too many goals in crucial moments.
Carrick — whose playing career as a central midfielder was built on positional intelligence and a focus on balance — will instill a more structured defensive shape.
United will become harder to break down, with defenders appearing more cohesive and disciplined.
Bringing more defensive solidity will pay off when the team starts to look more secure at the back, which in turn shall allow the attacking players to express themselves more freely.
4. Calm leadership and patience
However, the turnaround in United’s fortunes under Michael Carrick will not be immediate. There will be setbacks, as one would expect in such a transitional period.
But Carrick’s ability to remain calm under pressure will stand out, and he will not waver from his philosophy.
He is expected to continue tweaking the team’s balance, gradually refining his tactics while remaining grounded in the fundamentals of the club’s attacking tradition.
The importance of patience is clear to Carrick; he understood that true change would take time, and he is committed to seeing the team through this challenging phase.
What Next for Manchester United?
Ultimately, Carrick’s interim spell is expected to be short-term. United’s hierarchy are already looking for a long-term candidate to take over at the end of the season.
The Red Devils are being frequently linked with names like Oliver Glasner, Unai Emery and Kieran McKenna.
Nonetheless, Carrick’s role as a stabilising force will allow the club to focus on those future decisions without the added pressure of an immediate crisis.
His tenure will not only help steady the ship, but also give the club some breathing room to evaluate its next steps.
What Next for Michael Carrick?
For Michael Carrick, this interim period is another stepping stone in his managerial journey.
While the team’s performances under him may turn out not to be perfect, they would showcase his tactical acumen, leadership qualities, and ability to navigate a club in turmoil.
Perhaps, Carrick’s time at Manchester United will once again prove that, while he may not be the long-term solution, his presence as interim manager provided the right balance of experience, stability, and respect for the club’s culture.
In the end, Carrick’s expected brief stint at Old Trafford may serve as a reminder of the importance of calm, steady leadership in times of crisis.
His contribution during this turbulent period could prove vital, not just for the club’s short-term future, but also for his own development as a manager.
As United shop for a more permanent managerial appointment, Carrick’s brief return to the top of the Premier League may not be quickly forgotten.
