Bombshell: INEOS rip up plans to wait for Amorim’s successor with new head coach set to be appointed now – report

Manchester United are prepared to reverse their decision regarding the appointment of a new head coach as Ruben Amorim’s successor this summer, according to a bombshell report. Interim for Amorim INEOS swung their axe on Amorim’s tumultuous tenure earlier this month after an explosive breakdown in his relationship with sporting director Jason Wilcox. Despite 14 months of steadfast support, with little evidence on the pitch to justify it, Amorim turned on the club’s hierarchy in a bombastic press conference after the 2-2 draw with Leeds United. Less than 24 hours later, the Portuguese coach was gone, along with his entire support staff. Michael Carrick was then appointed caretaker manager until the end of the season after under-18s coach Darren Fletcher had taken temporary charge of the senior side. The former England international brought in a host of new coaches to join him, including Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate. Despite back-to-back games against the Premier League’s title contenders, Manchester City and Arsenal, Carrick has emerged with six points from six as he has helped propel the Red Devils into the top four with two outstanding performances. An emphatic 2-0 win over City at Old Trafford – which ultimately flattered Pep Guardiola’s side – was followed up with a pulsating 3-2 triumph at the Emirates as United blew open a title race Arsenal had appeared destined to win. When Carrick’s first stint as caretaker manager is included, it means the 44-year-old coach has four wins and one draw from five games, with two victories over Arteta, one over Guardiola, one over Unai Emery and a draw with Thomas Tuchel. 😳🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Michael Carrick’s record as Manchester United manager: ✅ 2-0 win vs. Villarreal & Unai Emery ⚖️ 1-1 draw vs. Chelsea & Thomas Tuchel✅ 3-2 win vs. Arsenal & Mikel Arteta✅ 3-0 win vs. Manchester City & Pep Guardiola✅ 3-2 win vs. Arsenal & Mikel Arteta pic.twitter.com/xnfoOyMVtV — Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) January 25, 2026 Tweet: “Michael Carrick’s record as Manchester United manager: 2-0 win vs. Villarreal & Unai Emery 1-1 draw vs. Chelsea & Thomas Tuchel 3-2 win vs. Arsenal & Mikel Arteta 2-0 win vs. Manchester City & Pep Guardiola 3-2 win vs. Arsenal & Mikel Arteta” It is little wonder, therefore, that the clamour for Carrick to be handed the reins permanently has ramped up outside Old Trafford over the past 24 hours. However, in an explosive twist, Fichajes reveals this sentiment is now being shared inside the club as well. A Change of Plans INEOS were expected to wait until the summer to decide upon a long-term successor for Amorim, with the appointment of Carrick affording time to make the right choice. The end of the season and the completion of the World Cup will increase the number of prospective candidates, with Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi two of the frontrunners for the United hotseat. However, Fichajes now contends INEOS have had a “change of plans” after Carrick’s impressive impact in Amorim’s stead, and “instead of seeking alternatives, the board is already considering renewing” the 44-year-old caretaker permanently. It is understood that the ‘United DNA’ is a crucial component for any head coach at Old Trafford to understand – but Carrick does not merely pay homage to it, he is a living embodiment of it. The legendary midfielder maintains close ties to United as his sons are in the academy, a situation which is believed to be very popular amongst other parents. He has consistently spoken about the need for “brave” and “attacking football – a fundamental principle of the club – as well as utilising a 4-2-3-1 system with flying wingers. And he has even earned the approval of Sir Alex Ferguson, who backed him over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when the two were competing for the caretaker role. In short, there is a growing case for why Carrick makes sense as an option to take the helm permanently, even if The Peoples Person advises caution at this update. Final Thoughts It is surprising INEOS would be willing to rip up their plan so soon after putting it in motion, given Carrick’s appointment was a stop-gap to allow the best possible successor for Amorim to be sourced. Fichajes also remains a dubious source, particularly for updates from the Premier League, given the outlet is based in Spain. It feels unlikely, bordering on remote, that United would make such a radical decision while Manchester-based reporters remain fully in the dark. Carrick remains a talented young coach with virtually zero experience at the top level of English football, let alone European. His time with Middlesbrough was promising, though it ultimately ended with dismissal and no promotion from the Championship. Michael Carrick Managerial Stats: TeamFromToGames PlayedGames WonGames DrawnGames LostWin % Manchester United (caretaker)21 November 20212 December 2021321066.67 Middlesbrough24 October 20224 June 202513663244946.32 Career Total——13965254946.76 In conclusion, The Peoples Person does not rule out Carrick being in charge next season, but we would be shocked to see that decision be made just two games into his caretaken reign. Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.