… and what they say about fickle United

14 Jan 2026 - The Guardian

Michael Butler

From his debut to his first spell as interim manager, the former midfielder has seen a lot at Old Trafford since 2006

Competitive United debut

23 August 2006, Charlton 0 Man Utd 3

The 25-year-old new signing was eased into United’s midfield as a second-half substitute in the second game of the season, having picked up a small injury on the pre-season tour. With Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes suspended, Sir Alex Ferguson started with John O’Shea and Darren Fletcher in central midfield, with the Scot (sporting a mullet) opening the scoring after Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo had hit the woodwork. Carrick was one of four future United managers in the side, alongside Fletcher, Giggs and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who rounded off the win with a late goal after Louis Saha had doubled United’s lead. Solskjaer’s goal was his first in the league in three injury-hit years, and the Norwegian, also a substitute, should have had another when Carrick squared a perfect pass to the striker, only for Charlton’s Scott Carson to make an outstanding save. With Carrick an instant success at United that season, the club roared to the title in May 2007, their first in four years.

Manchester United (4-4-2) 

Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Evra; Ronaldo, O’Shea, Fletcher, Park (Carrick 77); Giggs (Solskjaer 82), Saha.

Subs not used Kuszczak, Rossi, Richardson.

Final game for United

13 May 2018, Man Utd 1 Watford 0

Carrick played only five times in his 12th and final season but signed off in style on his 464th appearance by creating the winner, scored by Marcus Rashford, in a 1-0 win against Watford. Carrick, captain for the day, was given a guard of honour by both teams before the match and a standing ovation when substituted in the 80th minute for Paul Pogba – no United player made more passes or had more touches against Watford than the retiring veteran. The game was also poignant for being the first at Old Trafford after Sir Alex Ferguson’s brain haemorrhage, with fans chanting the legendary manager’s name throughout. United lost the FA Cup final against Chelsea the following week and finished second behind City, which the manager, José Mourinho, later claimed was one of his finest achievements. Carrick immediately joined the Portuguese’s staff as a coach. “It is an unbelievable opportunity for me,” Carrick said. “I look forward to learning off him; he is one of the very best. We will have some success in the near future, I am certain of that.”

Manchester United (4-3-1-2) 

Romero; Darmian, Bailly, Rojo, Young (Shaw 60); McTominay, Carrick (Pogba 84), Blind (Herrera 76); Mata; Rashford, Sánchez.

Subs not used J Pereira, Jones, Valencia, Lingard.

First game as interim manager

23 November 2021, Villarreal 0 Man Utd 2

Carrick had been appointed as interim manager in December 2018, assuming control of training for two days after the sacking of Mourinho. But he had to wait another three years before taking charge of his first game, after the exit of Solskjaer. Three days after a 4-1 drubbing at Watford – Solskjaer’s final game – Carrick made four changes to the lineup at Villarreal in the Champions League group stage. United had less possession than their opponents and fewer attempts on goal but Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo scored late to secure qualification to the last 16, with Carrick’s substitutions proving pivotal: the introduction of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford turned the game in United’s favour. Carrick became the first English manager to win his first game in charge of United (excluding second spells) since Walter Crickmer in 1931 and devoted the victory to Solskjaer. “It’s not been an easy couple of days for anyone at the club and that result almost feels like it’s for Ole,” he said. Ernesto Valverde, Paris Saint-Germain’s Mauricio Pochettino and Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers were linked with the permanent job but Carrick managed three games (winning two) before Ralf Rangnick was appointed in late November.

Manchester United (4-2-3-1) 

De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindeløf, Maguire, Telles; Fred, McTominay; Sancho (Mata 93), Van de Beek (Fernandes 66), Martial (Rashford 66); Ronaldo (Matic 91). 

Subs not used Heaton, Henderson, Bailly, Dalot, Lingard, Diallo.

***

Will Unwin

Carrick named United interim manager until end of season

Fletcher back with under-18s in new chapter at Old Trafford

‘Michael Carrick is ready to lead as 

we continue to build towards success’

   - Jason Wilcox, Director of football

14 Jan 2026 - The Guardian

Michael Carrick has called on everyone at Manchester United to “pull together” in order to bring success back to the club, after being appointed last night as head coach until the end of the season.

The former midfielder has brought the ex-England assistant Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate to work alongside him. They will join Jonny Evans, Travis Binnion and Craig Mawson in the backroom staff. It is Carrick’s second spell leading the team, having taken charge previously of three games after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was dismissed in 2021.

The director of football, Jason Wilcox, led the process to find a replacement for Ruben Amorim, who was sacked after a run of poor results and a falling out with the hierarchy. United want to bring someone in who had worked at the club before, identifying Carrick and Solskjaer as key targets. The two, along with another candidate, were identified and interviewed but Carrick was the preferred option.

“Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour,” Carrick said. “I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing.

“I have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years, I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here. There is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves.”

Carrick was a United player for 12 years before joining José Mourinho’s coaching staff upon retiring in 2018, remaining at the club for three years until Ralf Rangnick’s appointment as interim. His first managerial role was at the Championship club Middlesbrough, who he coached for two and a half years until being sacked in the summer after finishing 10th.

“Michael is an excellent coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United,” Wilcox said. “He is ready to lead our talented and determined group of players for the remainder of the season as we continue to build the club towards regular and sustained success.”

Darren Fletcher, who took charge of the games against Burnley and Brighton, will revert to his role as under-18s head coach. The Scot impressed the club’s hierarchy with his attitude and performance during his brief tenure but it was felt best for his development to stay within the academy.