Michael Carrick has revealed that Ole Gunnar Solskjær was fully supportive of his appointment as interim manager of Manchester United, despite both having been interviewed for the role. Manchester United confirmed Carrick, 44, as their new interim manager on January 13, 2026. He has signed a deal until the end of the season.
Carrick's appointment followed Manchester United's decision to sack Ruben Amorim last week. The club interviewed both Carrick and Solskjær for the position. There was speculation that Carrick could assist Solskjær, as he did between December 2018 and November 2021. However, senior players vetoed Solskjær, leading United to appoint Carrick.
Carrick returns to Old Trafford after four years away. He spent two and a half years at Middlesbrough, achieving a play-off finish in his first season. His next two campaigns were less successful, and he was sacked last June. After talks with United CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox, Carrick was seen as the right man to take United forward.
Carrick said that having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honor.
Sky Sports News reported on January 6, 2026, that Manchester United had begun talking to external candidates for an interim manager to lead the team until the end of the season. Michael Carrick, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, and Darren Fletcher were considered for a possible return. United were primarily looking for an interim manager until the end of the season but hadn't ruled out giving the job to someone permanently. Jason Wilcox, the director of football, is involved in the process.
Carrick's start as interim manager has been impressive. The team displayed pace, zip, and creativity. After replacing José Mourinho in December 2018, Solskjær won 13 of the following 16 games.
During Carrick's much shorter interim spell in late 2021, he managed three games, securing two wins and one draw. The team appeared calmer, more organized, structured, and less panicked. Carrick simplified things, reduced risk, and the players seemed more composed.
