Michael Carrick appointed Manchester United’s new permanent head coach

Michael Carrick has been confirmed as Manchester United’s permanent head coach until 2028, with the 44-year-old promising to “challenge for the biggest honours again”.

Since taking over as interim manager from Ruben Amorim in January with United seventh and out of cup competitions, Carrick has proved hugely successful, on and off the field. With morale low after the Portuguese’s disappointing tenure, Carrick restored the spirit of the team and guided United back into the Champions League and a guaranteed third-place finish going into the final day of the league season.

Carrick played for United for 12 years until 2018. He had a previous interim spell of three games in charge in 2021 after working as a coach under Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

He said: “From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United. Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride. Throughout the past five months, this group of players have shown they can reach the standards of resilience, togetherness and determination that we demand here.

“Now it’s time to move forward together again, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose. Manchester United and our incredible supporters deserve to be challenging for the biggest honours again.”

Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, said: “Michael has thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue leading our men’s team. In the time he has been doing the role, we have seen positive results on the pitch, but more than that, an approach which aligns with the club’s values, traditions and history.

Michael Carrick brought Kobbie Mainoo back in from the cold after his consistent omission by Ruben Amorim. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

“Michael’s achievements in leading the club back to the Champions League should not be understated. He has forged a strong bond with the players and can be proud of the winning culture at Carrington and in the dressing room, which we are continuing to build.”

Wilcox recommended Carrick’s appointment and this was signed off by the owners, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family. Carrick’s candidacy was also tested against other potential appointments, it is understood.

Carrick’s interim tenure began with wins over the top two, Manchester City and Arsenal, in consecutive games, and he also guided United to key victories over Aston Villa and Liverpool, winning 11 and drawing three of his 16 games.

Carrick was welcomed by the United dressing room. Kobbie Mainoo, who was restored to the heart of the team after the midfielder had been ostracised by Amorim, said he wanted “to die for him on the pitch”. Matheus Cunha was one of many other United players who offered their support.

The appointment comes just under a year after Carrick was sacked by Middlesbrough. As United are back in Europe, he will oversee a far more congested schedule next term. The squad will be strengthened considerably, with a replacement for Casemiro high on the list of priorities.