… 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 squar...