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Rooney Backs Carrick as United Caretaker Amid Search for Long‑Term Manager

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Carrick Named Caretaker Until Season’s End Manchester United announced Michael Carrick will lead the first team on an interim basis through the remainder of the 2025‑26 campaign, following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal and a brief stint by Darren Fletcher [2][3][5]. The club confirmed the appointment on 13 January, noting Carrick’s previous three‑game caretaker spell in 2021 that yielded two wins and a draw [2][5]. His backroom team features Steve Holland as assistant, with Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion also joining [1][2][4]. United presented the move as a stop‑gap while a longer‑term successor is identified [3][5].

First Test Comes Against Manchester City Carrick’s debut match will be the high‑profile derby at Old Trafford versus Manchester City, scheduled for the upcoming weekend [1][2][3]. The fixture is seen as a crucial early assessment of his tactical adjustments, including a shift from the previous 3‑4‑3 to a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation [2]. United hope his “hands‑on” approach and calm demeanor can steady a squad rattled by recent results and managerial turnover [1][4].

Rooney Endorses Carrick and Hints at Long‑Term Options Former United great Wayne Rooney praised Carrick as the “right choice at this moment in time,” emphasizing the lack of obvious top‑flight candidates and expressing confidence in Carrick’s ability to steady the ship [1]. Rooney also floated potential long‑term targets, mentioning Xabi Alonso’s recent Real Madrid exit and Thomas Tuchel as names under consideration [1]. His endorsement adds weight to Carrick’s interim mandate and underscores United’s urgency to secure stability before the season’s climax [1][6].

United’s Recent Managerial Turmoil Sets Context After Amorim’s sacking on 5 January, United cycled through interim leaders: Fletcher oversaw two matches, including an FA Cup loss to Brighton, while Ole Solskjær entered talks about a possible return [5][6]. The club’s hierarchy stressed the need to finalize a caretaker before the Manchester derby, reflecting mounting pressure to restore form and pursue Champions League qualification [4][6]. These rapid changes highlight the precarious state of United’s season and the significance of Carrick’s appointment [2][5].

Sources

Timeline

2018 – Ole Gunnar Solskjær first steps into the United dugout as caretaker after Jose Mourinho’s dismissal, later earning a permanent contract and leading the club to a Europa League final and a second‑place Premier League finish in 2020‑21. His rise illustrates United’s habit of turning former players into short‑term fixes. [6]

2021 – Michael Carrick returns to Old Trafford as interim manager for three games following Solskjær’s exit, delivering two wins and a draw before the arrival of Ralf Rangnick, thereby establishing his credibility within the club’s coaching circle. [2]

Jan 5, 2026 – Manchester United dismisses Ruben Amorim after 14 months, ending a turbulent spell and creating a vacancy for a caretaker manager. The sacking triggers an accelerated search for a short‑term solution. [4][6]

Jan 6, 2026 – United holds preliminary talks with former players Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjær about a caretaker role until the season’s end, while director Jason Wilcox also sounds out Ruud van Nistelrooy. The club seeks a stop‑gap appointment before a summer hiring process. [7]

Jan 7, 2026 – Carrick and Solskjær emerge as the leading candidates for caretaker manager, with United not ruling out a joint arrangement; van Nistelrooy is also mentioned as a possible option. Their previous short‑term spells at United are central to the decision‑making. [6]

Jan 9, 2026 – Solskjær is slated for face‑to‑face talks on Saturday, mirroring his 2018 caretaker appointment, as United pushes to decide before the Manchester derby. Darren Fletcher continues as interim for the upcoming FA Cup tie with Brighton. [5]

Jan 12, 2026 – Sources name Michael Carrick as the favourite to become caretaker head coach, citing his 2021 three‑game stint (two wins, one draw) and strong backing from the squad and Ineos hierarchy. United wants a decision before players resume training on Wednesday. [4]

Jan 12, 2026 – A separate report confirms Carrick is poised to return to the dugout for the derby against Manchester City, highlighting his recent Middlesbrough revival (play‑off finish 2022‑23 and an EFL Cup semi‑final in 2023‑24) and his understated reputation. The high‑profile match is framed as a test of United’s immediate direction. [3]

Jan 13, 2026 – Manchester United officially appoints Michael Carrick as caretaker head coach until the end of the season, with Steve Holland as assistant and Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion joining the staff. Carrick says “it is an unbelievable feeling to return” and pledges “exciting, expressive football” while shouldering the club’s responsibility. [2]

Jan 13, 2026 – Carrick arrives at Carrington to sign his short‑term contract; Steve Holland joins his coaching team, and Wayne Rooney publicly backs Carrick, calling him “clever and capable.” Carrick’s first two fixtures are the home derby with Manchester City and an away game at Arsenal, underscoring a challenging start. [8][1]

Jan 16, 2026 – On a BBC podcast, Wayne Rooney declares Carrick “the right choice at this moment in time” to steady United, noting the lack of obvious top‑manager candidates and hinting at long‑term options such as Xabi Alonso or Thomas Tuchel after the season. He stresses the need for calmness and grit ahead of the City clash. [1]

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