Michael Carrick is expected to be announced as Manchester United’s caretaker manager today.
According to The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell, Carrick is currently ‘at Carrington to finalise [his] deal’ before his arrival is officially confirmed by the club.
He has asked for Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion to form his coaching setup.
Current interim Darren Fletcher did have the opportunity to stay and work alongside Carrick, but he has instead opted to return to his previous role in charge of United’s U18S.
Michael Carrick is at Carrington to finalise deal. Steve Holland set to be part of staff, with Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans + Travis Binnion.
After @SamiMokbel_BBC
Darren Fletcher was offered role but wants to continue leading U18s.#MUFC https://t.co/vGj2Ce9ICR
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) January 13, 2026
Why Carrick was preferred to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
It’s thought that, during direct talks with the INEOS hierarchy, Solskjaer had expressed hopes of being granted the manager job permanently if he succeeds from now until the summer, which United were unwilling to facilitate.
On the other hand, Carrick has accepted that he would only be at the reins until May before he departs Old Trafford.
Carrick’s record as Middlesbrough boss:
| Wins | Draws | Losses |
| 63 | 24 | 49 |
Carrick looking to replicate previous form from United stint
Fans will recall that the Englishman oversaw three games in the dugout when Solskjaer was dismissed in 2021, with the side claiming two wins and a draw.
One of the wins was a 3-2 triumph over Arsenal, whom he will face in just his second fixture this time around when United travel to the Emirates on Sunday, January 25.
First up, though, it’s the second instalment of this season’s Manchester derbies at Old Trafford in Saturday’s early kick-off slot.
🚨 Manchester United reach agreement in principle with Michael Carrick + coaching staff to take over until end of season. Appointments subject to finalising contract details & announcement. In position for #MUFC ahead of #MCFC visit this Sat @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/wE76Fgmo0U
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 13, 2026
Given the Reds have already been knocked out of both cup competitions and have no European football to account for, Carrick’s sole focus will be on finishing in the Champions League places; currently, they’re only three points off of fourth.
Good luck, Mr. Carrick – you’re going to need loads.
Attitude of some players already questioned, and now they’ll be under someone they know will only be there for a few months. Hopefully, Carrick will be noting attitudes, and have an end-of-Season report to hand to the new man.