Jan 5, 2026 – Ruben Amorim is dismissed after 14 months, ending his tenure and prompting United to seek a caretaker manager for the remainder of the season [12][11].

Jan 6, 2026 – United hold preliminary talks with former players Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about a caretaker role, while Director of Football Jason Wilcox also sounds out Ruud van Nistelrooy; the club keeps the permanent‑manager search for the summer [12].

Jan 7, 2026 – Carrick and Solskjaer emerge as frontrunners for the caretaker job, with Fletcher slated to lead the next Burnley match as interim; Van Nistelrooy is also mentioned as a candidate, and United note Carrick’s 2021 three‑game interim spell (two wins, one draw) and his Middlesbrough record [11].

Jan 9, 2026 – Solskjaer is set to meet United executives for face‑to‑face talks on a possible return, while the club aims to finalize a caretaker before the Manchester derby; Carrick has already met senior staff and is considered a strong independent contender [10].

Jan 12, 2026 – Sources name Carrick as the favourite for the caretaker role, noting his backing from the squad and Ineos hierarchy, and report that Solskjaer also holds discussions about a return; United’s FA Cup third‑round loss to Brighton marks Fletcher’s likely final interim appearance [9][8].

Jan 12, 2026 – Carrick, who revived Middlesbrough from a relegation battle in late 2022, led them to a playoff finish and an EFL Cup semi‑final before being sacked in June 2025, is poised to take charge of the upcoming derby against Manchester City, a match that could shape United’s short‑term direction [8].

Jan 13, 2026 – Manchester United officially appoint Michael Carrick as caretaker head coach until the season’s end, tasking him with a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation and a back‑room staff that includes Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion; his first fixture is the high‑profile derby versus Manchester City [7][13].

Jan 13, 2026 – Carrick arrives at Carrington to sign his short‑term contract, emphasizing the privilege and responsibility of the role and confirming his first two tests will be against Manchester City at home and Arsenal away [13].

Jan 16, 2026 – Wayne Rooney backs Carrick on a BBC podcast, calling him “the right choice at this moment” and noting a lack of obvious top‑manager options, while United confirm Carrick will remain caretaker until the season concludes and hint at possible long‑term targets such as Xabi Alonso or Thomas Tuchel [6].

Jan 16, 2026 – Carrick downplays former players’ criticism, stating that noise from ex‑players is irrelevant and that culture and on‑pitch performance matter most as United head into a decisive spell ahead of the Manchester derby, with ownership representatives present at Carrington meetings [5].

Jan 25, 2026 – Tony Pulis praises Carrick’s back‑room appointments as strategically aligned with club departments, highlighting Steve Holland’s England experience and Jonathan Woodgate’s standards, but warns that winning will be the ultimate test of the staff’s value [4].

Jan 25, 2026 – Carrick avoids confirming any ambition for a permanent job, celebrates United’s 3‑2 victory at Arsenal – the first there in eight years – and notes his tactical shift to a back four that revives Kobbie Mainoo and pushes Bruno Fernandes forward, while supporters and former players laud the early impact [3].

Feb 1, 2026 – United rally from 2‑0 down to beat Fulham 3‑2 with Benjamin Sesko’s stoppage‑time winner; Carrick calls the win “the best feeling,” matches Sir Matt Busby and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with four wins in five games, and credits the switch to a back four for Mainoo’s influence, lifting United to fourth and within Champions League reach [2].

Feb 20, 2026 – After five games, Carrick’s caretaker stint yields 13 points, moving United to fourth place; he hails 20‑year‑old Kobbie Mainoo as a “huge talent” and notes the club’s 88‑year streak of fielding an academy product in every match‑day squad, while his back‑room team of former players and long‑time staff provides balance, and his contract runs only to the season’s end [1].

Historical context

2021 – Carrick previously served as United’s interim manager for three games, securing two wins and a draw before departing when Ralf Rangnick arrived, giving him prior short‑term caretaker experience [7][11].

1990s‑2000s – Sir Alex Ferguson’s “hairdryer” motivational style leaves a lasting imprint on United’s coaching culture, a lesson Carrick cites as influential in his own approach [1].

1935‑present – United maintains an 88‑year record of including at least one academy graduate in every match‑day squad, a tradition highlighted by Carrick’s praise of Mainoo and Tyler Fletcher’s debut as the 258th academy product [1].