Michael Carrick's return to Manchester United as head coach until the end of the 2025/26 season has sparked hope among fans and players alike that he can rediscover the "magic" at Old Trafford. Replacing Rúben Amorim, whose tenure was cut short due to inconsistent results and tactical inflexibility, Carrick brings a blend of familiarity and fresh ideas to the club.
Carrick is no stranger to Manchester United, having enjoyed a successful 12-year playing career there, even captaining the team. He also served as a first-team coach under José Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjær, and had a brief stint as caretaker manager in 2021. His previous experience provides him with a deep understanding of the club's culture and expectations.
Upon his appointment, Carrick emphasized the importance of blending experience and fresh perspectives within his coaching staff. He has brought in Steve Holland, former Chelsea assistant and Gareth Southgate's no.2 with England, and Jonathan Woodgate, his former colleague from Middlesbrough. Travis Binnion and Jonny Evans, who assisted Darren Fletcher during his brief interim spell, will continue in their roles, providing a link to the academy and valuable United expertise.
Harry Maguire has already noted an improved energy since Carrick's arrival. Carrick aims to inject new ideas without overwhelming the team tactically, focusing on bringing back the energy to the building.
Carrick's managerial experience extends beyond his previous caretaker role at United. He managed Middlesbrough from October 2022 to June 2025, where he initially led them from 21st in the Championship to a fourth-place finish. At Middlesbrough, Carrick favored a possession-oriented 4-2-3-1 formation, which aligns with the setup Fletcher used during his two-game caretaker period. He is known for his tactical flexibility, although some have noted a resistance to tactical change during his time at Middlesbrough.
Carrick's philosophy emphasizes fluidity and less structure in attack, with a focus on overloading the box and attacking the wide areas. He likes to deploy a striker who can drop deep, creating space for attacking midfielders. Carrick's system also relies on full-backs who are instrumental in transition, with one joining the attack and the other forming part of a back three.
Despite the optimism surrounding Carrick's appointment, challenges lie ahead. United are currently seventh in the Premier League, a significant distance from the top. His first game in charge is a Manchester derby against Manchester City. Roy Keane has questioned the new coaching setup, highlighting the need for tangible improvements.
Carrick is aware of the task ahead and is aiming for European qualification as a sign of progress. He seeks to implement small steps towards improvement, focusing on winning games and playing well. His ability to bring composure, make astute decisions, and instill a winning mentality will be crucial in his quest to rediscover the "magic" at Manchester United.
