Manchester United are preparing to make a big announcement that could change the direction of their season. Michael Carrick is expected to be confirmed as the club’s new interim manager on Tuesday. This move comes after a difficult period at Old Trafford and has already created strong reactions among fans.
The 44-year-old former midfielder has been in talks with United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, over the past week. Those discussions are now complete, and everything points to Carrick taking charge of the team until the end of the season.
According to The Guardian, the official announcement is scheduled for Tuesday. Carrick will step into the role at a critical moment, with Manchester United facing major pressure both on and off the pitch.
Darren Fletcher, who has overseen two matches since Ruben Amorim was dismissed last Monday, is expected to stay involved. He is likely to join Carrick’s coaching team as the club looks for stability during this transition period.
Another familiar name could also return to the dugout. Jonathan Woodgate, the former Real Madrid defender and ex-Middlesbrough first-team coach, is being considered as part of Carrick’s backroom staff. His experience could add balance to the coaching setup.
Carrick is set to take his first training session on Wednesday. The squad will return from a two-day break, and there will be little time to settle in. His first challenge is already huge.
Manchester United face Manchester City on Saturday in a massive Premier League clash. Preparing the team for such a high-pressure match will be Carrick’s immediate priority.
Despite the short-term nature of his role, United are ready to back Carrick in the January transfer window. The club believes the squad needs fresh energy, especially in midfield.
Midfield has been clearly identified as an area that needs reinforcement. United want a player who can control the game, bring leadership, and add calmness under pressure.
Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves has now emerged as a serious target. The former Wolves and Porto star is valued at around £20 million, making him an attractive option for United.
Neves, who is 28 years old, showed his quality again on Monday night. He scored Al-Hilal’s third goal in their win over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
His contract with the Middle Eastern club is set to expire this summer. Because of this, Manchester United could sign him at a bargain price in January.
For Carrick, Neves would be a familiar type of player. As a former deep-lying midfielder himself, Carrick values intelligence, positioning, and passing ability in the center of the pitch.
This is not Carrick’s first time leading Manchester United. He previously took charge as caretaker manager in November and December 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked.
During that short spell, Carrick remained unbeaten. He guided United to a 2-0 Champions League win against Villarreal, a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League, and a dramatic 3-2 league victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Many fans still remember that calm and disciplined period. However, Carrick stepped aside once Ralf Rangnick was appointed interim manager until the end of the campaign.
After leaving United, Carrick took on a new challenge. He became Middlesbrough’s manager in October 2022 and stayed at the Riverside Stadium for nearly three years.
His time at Boro was solid and impressive. Carrick recorded 63 wins and 24 draws from 136 matches, earning respect for his tactical approach and man-management.
As a player, Carrick is already a Manchester United legend. From 2006 to 2018, he won 10 major trophies with the club, including five Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy.
That deep connection to United is one reason the club trusts him during this difficult period. Carrick understands the culture, the pressure, and what it means to play at Old Trafford.
United are coming into this week after another disappointment. They were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton on Sunday, adding to a growing list of frustrations.
The schedule ahead is brutal. After facing Manchester City, United will travel to Arsenal before returning home to host Fulham in the Premier League.
For Michael Carrick, this interim role is more than just a short-term job. It is a chance to steady the ship, reconnect the team with its identity, and possibly lay the foundation for the future.
Whether Ruben Neves becomes his first signing or not, one thing is clear. Carrick’s return has already brought a sense of calm and hope to a club that desperately needs both.
