Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as their interim head coach until the end of the season.
The 44-year-old will be joined by Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, Jonny Evans and Craig Mawson on his coaching staff.
Carrick has been selected over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the two United legends held talks with the club’s hierarchy, including Director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, over the weekend.
Following Ruben Amorim’s shock sacking last week, Darren Fletcher had taken charge of the first-team and the Under-18s boss may well join Carrick’s backroom staff.
Fletcher had overseen a 2-2 draw with Burnley in the Premier League and United’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Brighton on Sunday.
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Carrick, 44, is only expected be in the Old Trafford dugout until the end of the season, with the club planning to name a permanent successor to Amorim this summer.
Thomas Tuchel, Oliver Glasner and Gareth Southgate are among the many names tipped for the job.
‘Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour,’ said Carrick.
‘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.’
Director of football Jason Wilcox said: ‘Michael is an excellent coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United.
‘He is ready to lead our talented and determined group of players for the remainder of the season as we continue to build the club towards regular and sustained success.’
Former England international Carrick is one of United’s greatest ever midfielders, making 464 appearances across 12 trophy-laden years, with his accolades including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Upon hanging up his boots up in 2018, he joined United’s coaching staff, serving as assistant manager to Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer.
When the latter was relieved of his duties in 2021, he stepped in as caretaker manager for three games, winning two and drawing one, including a 3-2 victory over Arsenal, before the arrival of Ralf Rangnick.
Carrick’s first full-time position was at Middlesbrough, but he was sacked last summer after failing to win promotion during his three seasons at the Championship club.
United have tasked him with securing Champions League qualification, something which is very much achievable with the Red Devils currently seventh in the Premier League table and just a point off the top-five.
But Carrick could not have been given a more difficult start to his second spell at Old Trafford, with the Manchester derby on Saturday followed by a trip to league leaders Arsenal.
Carrick's to-do list - Four things he must fix quickly to halt slide
Manchester United were incredibly generous leading up to Christmas and over the festive period, handing out points at home to Everton, West Ham, Bournemouth and Wolves before draws away to Leeds and Burnley.
But as is stands, they are firmly within touching distance of the Champions League spots, just a point off fifth place.
Even after being knocked out of the FA Cup, there is still plenty to salvage from the season - if Carrick and his staff can make some quick fixes.
Solve Sesko's struggles up front
Benjamin Sesko has had some fleeting moments of promise this season but the jury is still out. At times, the Slovenia international has looked effective foil for Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, holding the ball up and linking play intelligently in the final third.
But questions over his physicality and unconvincing finishing remain. His performance against Burnley largely summed things up - scoring twice with two excellent finishes in the second-half but only after a thoroughly wretched display in the opening 45 where he could barely keep the ball under control.
Another goal against Brighton on Sunday means the 22-year-old has scored more under Darren Fletcher than he did under Amorim. A change of system and playing style has offered early promise.
Abandon the dreaded 3-4-3
It would serve as a huge shock were Carrick to persist with the system that became nothing but a cross to bear for Amorim.
Carrick very rarely deviated from a 4-2-3-1 formation at Middlesbrough, sometimes to his detriment, with a lack of a 'plan B' often cited as one of the reasons his failed to achieve promotion.
But this system appears to be perfectly suited to the Red Devils squad. Too often it has been a case of square pegs in round holes for United over the last year. Simplifying matters may be the interim boss' best course of action in the six months he has.
Reintegrate Mainoo and revive his United fortunes
As he may have been privately hoping for all season, Kobbie Mainoo has managed to outlast Ruben Amorim. With no Premier League starts to his name, it has been a miserable campaign but the change in system will surely open up a role in midfield for the 20-year-old.
United are desperately short of the controlling, calm presence Carrick once provided in the engine room. Who better to teach Mainoo the ropes.
It's a two-way street - United need inspiration in midfield and Mainoo needs to deliver if he is to stand any chance of forcing his way into Thomas Tuchel's England squad heading to the World Cup next summer. There can be no more excuses.
Unleash Fernandes in his old role
Restoring Mainoo to midfield and a shift in system could see Bruno Fernandes restored to the more advanced role where he has historically been at his prolific best in Manchester.
The Portugal international scored 44 goals and laid on 35 assists in his 97 games while Carrick served as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's assistant, averaging 0.81 goal contributions per game.
It might require some tinkering with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo also in the picture but the rewards could be enormous.
Fernandes has performed admirably in his deeper role this season but it is further up the pitch where he is most dangerous. Amid reports the captain has had enough of Old Trafford, keeping him happy is a top priority.
Tony Mogan, live sports editor,
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