Derby-Driven Reboot: Carrick Takes the Helm as United Seek Stability
13 January 2026
Management move ahead of the derby
The new coach begins his mission in the derby.
Manchester United has reached a preliminary agreement to appoint Michael Carrick as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
According to The Athletic, the deal includes Carrick's proposed coaching staff, with final contract details pending and an official announcement anticipated soon.
Carrick's first match in charge will be the Manchester derby against City, on Saturday, at Old Trafford.
Reports on Monday had named Carrick the frontrunner after direct talks with club officials.
Jason Wilcox, the sporting director, and Omar Barada, the club's chief executive, led the interim appointment.
Ownership still awaits approval from joint owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family as attention shifts toward finding a permanent successor to Robin Amorim, who departed in January.
Carrick has previously coached United as caretaker for three matches after Solskjær's dismissal in late 2021, securing two wins and a draw before Ralph Rangnick's appointment.
Amorim's exit followed 14 months in charge, with Darren Fletcher stepping up from the academy to lead the first team on an interim basis.
United had drawn 2-2 with Burnley last midweek and were eliminated from the FA Cup by Brighton 2-1 on Sunday.
Going into the Derby, the Red Devils sit seventh in the Premier League, 11 points behind City and five spots behind their rivals.
Punchline 1: If Carrick nails this derby, the trophy cabinet might finally stop looking like a Wi‑Fi password—unreachable to most of us.
Punchline 2: And if it goes south, hey, at least the club will have a perfect excuse for the next transfer window: “the plan was good, the weather was bad.”
