Manchester United has appointed Michael Carrick as the head coach until the end of the season, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
Carrick previously had an unbeaten three-game stint as caretaker boss at Old Trafford in 2021.
Carrick played 464 games for United during his player career, winning five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
The 44-year-old’s last managerial role was with Championship club Middlesbrough, where he was appointed in October 2022.
Carrick guided Middlesbrough to the Championship play-offs in his first season in charge but was dismissed in June after the club finished 10th in the second tier.
United had also been in talks with former player and boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about a potential return to the club.
““Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour,” Carrick told the club’s official website.
“I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing.
“I have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years, I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here.
“There is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves.”
Carrick will be supported by Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, Jonny Evans and Craig Mawson.
The Red Devils sacked Ruben Amorim last week after a dismal 14-month stint under the Portuguese coach.
Caretaker boss Darren Fletcher oversaw a 2-2 draw against Burnley in the Premier League and a 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup third round.
United’s exit from both domestic cup competitions at the first hurdle, plus a lack of European football, means it will play only 40 matches this season — its lowest number since the 1914/1915 campaign.
The 20-time English champion is seventh in the Premier League, but just three points outside the top four and one point behind fifth-placed Brentford.
United hosts local rival Manchester City on Saturday in what is likely to be Carrick’s first game in charge.
(inputs from AFP)
