Michael Carrick recorded a podcast with Manchester United’s in-house media team on his first day as head coach.
It’s been a big day in Michael Carrick’s career as a coach.
Seven months on from getting sacked at Middlesbrough, Carrick has been appointed United head coach until the end of the season.
Ruben Amorim was sacked last week following a topsy-turvy first half to the season. It didn’t help matters that Amorim aimed digs at Ineos in his final press conference as head coach, following United’s 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road.
The unexpected mid-season change of head coach led to Darren Fletcher getting the role for two matches, with the former midfield ace and Scotland international unable to beat Burnley or Brighton in the days following Amorim’s dismissal.
What should Michael Carrick’s FIRST PRIORITY be as Manchester United head coach?
Let us know your INSTANT REACTION to his appointment
On the latest episode of Inside Carrington, new head coach Carrick joins MUTV’s Helen Evans and Liam Bradford for a 23-minute discussion about his return to the club.
Here are five things we learned from Carrick’s first interview after seeing off competition from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Fletcher for the role.
Michael Carrick wanted a coaching balance at Man Utd
Carrick’s backroom staff consists of Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion.
Former England number two to Gareth Southgate, Holland, will be Carrick’s assistant.
Meanwhile, Fletcher will return to his role as United 18s head coach.
Carrick insists he wanted to ensure there was a good coaching balance to help him with the team.
“Yeah, [getting the coaching balance right] was probably the most important thing,” Carrick said.
“To be honest, I know a lot about the club. It has changed a little bit since I left, but I think in some ways that’s a good thing, you know, the freshness.
“I think that was important with the staff and to be strong and to be able to do different things and pull on different characters, different dynamics within that – different experiences, as well. And I’m really delighted.
“Steve’s got an unbelievable wealth of experience, massive experiences at Chelsea in terms of going through similar situations to this – change of manager and coach – and dealing with that and keeping and staying successful.
“Jonathan, I’ve known and he’s loyal. He’s very knowledgeable. He’s the perfect balance to me personally, I think that’s important, you know, I don’t want all the same. He challenges me, pushes me, and he has done for the last three years – and he’ll keep doing that.
“Trav, I think this club’s about young players, you know, and producing young players and having the line with the Academy and a pathway and understanding what it means and helping the young players, developing the young players, working with the young players and pushing the young players when they need a push. He’s going to have a massive part of that.
“And Jonny, obviously he’s someone who’s close to me and everything he stands for, I respect and I appreciate. He’s got unbelievable knowledge. He’s come through the whole thing. He’s in this football club and he gets it.
“He understands the day to day, and he’s got a massive amount of experience to then pass on to the players as well. So I think there’s a real balance of personalities, of characters, of knowledge and experience. And I’m really, really happy with what we’re going into because it’s a big job, a big role.
“There’s a lot of work to do, and we feel that we can do it.”
Which Man Utd player do you believe will be the BIGGEST WINNER from Michael Carrick’s appointment?
If you like, let us know who will be biggest LOSER from the hire too….
Football that will lift bums off seats
Carrick knows that his job at United will be judged mostly on results.
United haven’t been getting the results they desired this season, dropping points in games against Wolves, Leeds and Burnley over the Christmas period.
The new head coach insists he wants his United side to play “exciting” football that will get him and fans off their seats.
“You want to win games, it goes without saying, we want to win games.
“There’s different ways of doing it, of course, different scenarios, different situations in games that [mean] you might have to play a certain way.
“But I think for me it’s [about] working with the players. I love working with the players and helping them get better individually, which, hopefully, will help the team improve and [I want to] be there to support them. I’m one of them, we’re all in it together, and I think it’s important that we all look after each other.
“But I know it comes down to results. Hopefully, we can play a really exciting type of football and be positive and express and bring excitement. I want to be off my seat. I want to be enjoying watching the boys play, and results obviously need to come with that.
“You can feel my kind of enthusiasm for it, because I’m buzzing to get started and see what we can do.”
Back where Michael Carrick belongs
It has been seven months since Carrick last held a coaching role, spending two years at Middlesbrough.
The former England international is looking forward to getting back where he belongs, on the training pitch.
Carrick is excited about his first game in charge when Man City visit Old Trafford on Saturday.
“Nothing beats that [feeling of getting out on the grass].
“Getting on the grass with the boys is where I want to be, working with them, and so I think that’s the next step. Today’s been good to settle in, to get to know kind of what the week’s going to look like, planning ahead for the game.
“Obviously, it’s an important game, it goes without saying. Being a step ahead of that has given us a good chance. So, we’re in a good place, and seeing the boys tomorrow and for some of the staff to meet them for the first time, as well as myself. It feels good, we’re looking forward to it.”
How many games will Michael Carrick win?
Also let us know how many you think he NEEDS to win to qualify for the Champions League… and to become full-time manager?
Lessons learned at Middlesbrough
Carrick was asked what he has learned since leaving United in 2021.
He admitted to making mistakes at Middlesbrough and wanting to learn from them.
There is no denying that he has greater experience under his belt now as a coach.
“I’ve learned loads. This [United] was all I knew for so long and to go out to Middlesbrough, I learned an awful lot.
“Of course I made mistakes, you have strengths, things I look back on and think I could have done better, that’s life and part of learning and become better.
“I’m just experienced. Having a bit of time out as well. I feel in a really good place to be here.”
Impressed by new facilities at Carrington
Ineos have made changes at United since Carrick last worked at the club.
Although Carrick has been present at Carrington to watch his son play for the youth teams, he revealed that this was the first time he’s been inside the building of the new first-team complex.
“This is the first time I’ve been inside the building, although I’ve been here several times for different reasons. It’s impressive.
“At this club, they strive for the best, and this is part of that.”
Bonus: Michael Carrick job title
Carrick has been announced as United’s new head coach, with no mention of ‘interim’ used in the club’s announcement or the official podcast.
Who do you think will be Man Utd manager at the start of the 2026/27 season?
🔮 Let us know who you believe will and should be in charge? Who will Ineos appoint?
The reason for the bonus addition is that it’s a notable observation from the official statement released by United.
Carrick holds the title of head coach for the remainder of the season, just like Amorim did for 14 months.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
