Michael Carrick has officially been handed the reins at Manchester United after agreeing to a new two-year contract that will run to 2028, the club has confirmed.
The former Middlesbrough trainer and United legend’s new contract comes after he took over the club on January 6, 2026, after the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
He oversaw a period of remarkable revival in which he impressed in his 15 games, secured Champions League football, and earned wins against Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
Continue as head coach
“We are delighted to announce Michael Carrick will continue as our head coach, having signed a new contract!” part of the club statement read.
Earlier, the United hierarchy of Jason Wilcox, the director of football, and Omar Berrada, the chief executive, expressed confidence in Carrick as the right person to continue the club’s progress barely days after the gaffer had urged the media to go slow on speculation around his long-term Old Trafford future, stating that it would soon be sorted.
The Englishman acknowledged the task ahead, asserting his readiness to restore United’s competitive edge.
“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 has shown they can reach the standards of resilience, togetherness and determination that we demand here. Now it’s time to move forward together, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose. Manchester United and our incredible supporters deserve to be challenging for the biggest honours again,” he stated.
Carrick’s association with United
Carrick, who had previously served an interim spell in charge in 2021, returned to the club after Ruben Amorim was sacked in January, 2026, with United seventh in the Premier League and out of both domestic cup competitions.
In his message to United’s faithful after the final home game of the season against Nottingham Forest, the coach expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the fans. He attributed the extraordinary success to the unwavering enthusiasm of the Red Devils’ faithful.
“I want to say a massive thank you for the season. It’s unbelievable to always see this place full,” he said.
While looking forward to leading the club as the permanent head coach, he exuded optimism that the fans will be able to continue the good times witnessed during his interim tenure.
“We have had some unbelievable moments, big goals, and big results in this stadium over the last few months, and hopefully, there will be a few more of them! Take care and have a good summer,” he added.
