United reach “agreement in principle” for Carrick to take charge, his first challenge is a huge one – David Ornstein

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Michael Carrick to become caretaker manager until the end of the season, according to David Ornstein. Interim For Amorim INEOS sent shockwaves across Old Trafford last week after deciding to dismiss Ruben Amorim, along with his entire coaching staff, with immediate effect. A complete breakdown in the relationship between the Portuguese coach and Jason Wilcox drove the club’s decision after an explosive meeting before the 1-1 draw with Leeds United. The sporting director wanted Amorim to make adaptations to his 3-4-2-1 system, a formation to which he is inexorably wed. However, the former Sporting CP manager reacted furiously to the imposition, instead declaring that the players needed to be changed, rather than his approach, and threatened to call his agent to facilitate an exit. A fiery press conference at Elland Road then sealed Amorim’s fate, as he turned the internal conflict into a full-blown civil war. He took aim at the club – and, by extension, INEOS – by demanding that the different figures, including the sporting director and the recruitment department, “do their jobs” so he could do this. There were repeated references to his own role being “manager, not head coach”, while mentioning Thomas Tuchel, Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho – three big-name managers whose influence at their clubs extends far beyond the dugout – in an obvious message over discontent at his own level of control. It was a bombastic interview, the type which only ends one way for a United head coach with the club’s worst record in the history of the Premier League. Ruben Amorim managerial stats at Man United PlayedWonDrawnLostWin % 6324182138 Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher took charge of the senior side in Amorim’s absence, supported by Travis Binnion and Jonny Evans, who swapped Barbados for Burnley to help the former Scotland international at Turf Moor in his first game in charge However, United were intent on appointing a permanent caretaker for the remainder of the campaign, given Fletcher’s complete inexperience at top-level management. The two frontrunners for the role were Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Carrick, with INEOS believed to be initially leaning towards the Norwegian. However, a “strong interview” from Carrick swayed United’s hierarchy and he pulled ahead of his former colleague and teammate over the weekend. Yesterday, it was reported the 44-year-old coach, who spent nearly three years as Middlesbrough manager, playing a 4-2-3-1 formation, was set to be appointed – which Ornstein has now confirmed. Carrick Takes Charge The Athletic reporter reveals United have reached an “agreement in principle” with their former player, with only the final details of his contract left to iron out. “Manchester United have reached agreement in principle to appoint Michael Carrick as interim head coach until the end of the season,” Ornstein states. “The deal, which includes the former midfielder’s proposed staff, is subject to finalising contract details with an announcement expected soon. Should everything progress as planned Carrick’s first game in charge would be against rivals Manchester City on Saturday at Old Trafford. “The Athletic reported on Monday that Carrick had moved into pole position for the role after he and former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had held face-to-face talks with club executives. “The process of appointing an interim coach has been led by director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada. “Sign-off was required by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, and attentions will turn to bringing in a permanent successor to Ruben Amorim, who was sacked on January 5, now the caretaker role is finalised.” Carrick will potentially work alongside Fletcher with the 41-year-old Scot forming part of his coaching staff, while Jonathan Woodgate – who worked with the 44-year-old at Middlesbrough – is also under consideration to be brought in. Featured image George Wood 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 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.