MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester United finally made Michael Carrick the permanent head coach on Friday, awarding him a two-year deal after an impressive audition.
In his short spell in charge, Carrick has guided United to third in the Premier League — a remarkable turnaround from finishing 15th last term, a record low in the modern era. His record stands at 11 wins in 16 games, with only two losses.
Club's Vote of Confidence
"Michael has thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue leading our men's team," said United director of football Jason Wilcox, who led the search for the club's next coach. "In the time he has been doing the role, we have seen positive results on the pitch, but more than that, an approach which aligns with the club's values, traditions and history."
"Michael's achievements in leading the club back to the Champions League should not be understated," Wilcox added. "He has forged a strong bond with the players and can be proud of the winning culture at Carrington and in the dressing room, which we are continuing to build."
Carrick's Vision
"Throughout the past five months we've shown what our club represents — resilience, togetherness and a determination to succeed," Carrick said. "Now it's about moving forward again with ambition and purpose. This club and our supporters deserve to be challenging for the biggest honors and we're never going to stop."
"From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United," Carrick added. "Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride."
Background
Carrick is the seventh permanent manager since the retirement of Alex Ferguson in 2013. While there was uncertainty as to whether he was the long-term solution for United after more than a decade of decline since Ferguson retired, Carrick's impact made it nearly impossible for the club's hierarchy to overlook him.
Carrick was part of one of Ferguson's greatest teams, which won a Premier League and Champions League double in 2008. In all he won 12 major trophies in 12 years at United, including five league titles. He was in United's last title-winning team in Ferguson's final season.
As a multiple title winner with United as a player, Carrick had the support of fans and club icons, who have been calling for him to be given the job on a permanent basis for weeks. He also inspired an upturn of form in key players like Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko.
His only previous full-time managerial experience was at second-tier Middlesbrough from 2022-25. Wilcox has put his faith in Carrick after the previous coach lasted just 14 months, despite a reputation as one of the top emerging coaches in Europe.