Manchester United have appointed Michael Carrick as the club’s permanent head coach following an impressive spell as interim manager.
The Premier League club confirmed the appointment on Friday, rewarding Carrick after he guided United to a third-place finish in the league and secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Carrick, 44, took charge on an interim basis in January after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim and oversaw a strong turnaround in form during the second half of the campaign.
In a statement released by the club, Carrick expressed pride at being entrusted with the role on a permanent basis.
“From the moment I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United. Carrying the responsibility of leading this special football club fills me with immense pride,” he said.
He praised the players for their resilience and determination during the past five months and vowed to restore the club’s status among Europe’s elite.
“Now it’s time to move forward together again, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose. Manchester United and our incredible supporters deserve to be challenging for the biggest honours again,” Carrick added.
United endured a turbulent period before Carrick’s appointment, with reports of unrest in the dressing room and strained relations between Amorim and club officials contributing to the Portuguese manager’s exit.
Manchester United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, said Carrick had earned the opportunity through his leadership and alignment with the club’s traditions and values.
“Michael has thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue leading our men’s team. We have seen positive results on the pitch and an approach that aligns with the club’s values, traditions and history,” Wilcox said.
He added that Carrick’s achievement in returning the club to the Champions League should not be underestimated, noting that the former midfielder had built a strong relationship with the players and fostered a winning culture at the club’s Carrington training ground.
Carrick enjoyed a successful playing career at Manchester United, spending 12 years at Old Trafford after joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006.
During his time as a player, he won five Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup, and several other domestic honours.
