Michael Carrick has agreed to become Manchester United’s interim head coach, with former England assistant manager Steve Holland set to join his backroom staff.
Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion will also form part of Carrick’s coaching team at Old Trafford.
Carrick’s return to the dugout
Carrick agreed a deal on Monday night, with an official announcement expected on Tuesday once all paperwork is completed. The 44-year-old will take charge for Saturday’s Premier League derby against Manchester City.
United sacked Ruben Amorim after 14 months in charge on 5 January, with Darren Fletcher stepping in as caretaker for two matches. Carrick previously had a short stint as interim boss in 2021 following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal.
Steve Holland to join staff
Holland, 55, worked under Gareth Southgate during England’s run to fourth place at the 2018 World Cup and runner-up finishes at Euro 2021 and 2024. He also spent several successful years at Chelsea under managers including Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Rafael Benitez.
His most recent role was as manager of Japanese club Yokohama F Marinos, where he was sacked in April after just four months in charge.
Coaching team details
Woodgate previously worked under Carrick at Middlesbrough and managed the club between 2019 and 2020. He also had a brief spell as Bournemouth boss in 2021.
Former United defender Jonny Evans will return to Old Trafford in a coaching capacity, while Travis Binnion is already part of the club’s existing setup.
Tactical plans
Carrick is expected to shift United to a 4-2-3-1 formation, moving away from the back-three system used by Amorim.
He impressed chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox during face-to-face talks last Thursday, with sources saying his vision for the team played a key role in his appointment.
Solskjaer misses out
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also held discussions with club officials about a potential return. However, Carrick was preferred due to his more hands-on coaching approach.
Fletcher, who oversaw the games against Burnley and Brighton, will now return to his role with the Under-18s.
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