Michael Carrick has accepted the position of interim head coach at Manchester United, with Steve Holland lined up as his assistant. The club plans to announce the appointment on Tuesday after final paperwork.
Carrick agreed terms on Monday night. Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion will join the coaching staff. Carrick takes charge for Saturday’s Premier League derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford.
United dismissed Ruben Amorim on 5 January after 14 months. Darren Fletcher handled two matches as caretaker before returning to the Under-18s.
Carrick’s background and tactical shift
Carrick served as interim boss for three games in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s exit, recording two wins and one draw. He held talks with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox last Thursday, impressing them with his plans.
He intends to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, moving away from Amorim’s back-three system. Solskjaer also discussed a return but Carrick was preferred for his hands-on coaching style.
Key staff additions and their experience
Steve Holland brings extensive credentials from his time as England assistant under Gareth Southgate, reaching the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and Euro finals in 2021 and 2024. He enjoyed success at Chelsea and was sacked by Yokohama F Marinos in April after a short stint.
Jonathan Woodgate previously worked with Carrick at Middlesbrough and knows Wilcox from their Leeds days. He managed Boro from 2019 to 2020 and had a brief spell at Bournemouth in 2021. His Spanish skills and Real Madrid experience will help in a diverse squad.
Jonny Evans returns to Old Trafford after recent playing time at United, providing dressing-room insight. Travis Binnion, already on the club’s staff, has deep knowledge of academy graduates like Kobbie Mainoo and Shea Lacey.
United believes this mix offers stability, experience and familiarity to guide the team until the season ends.
