Michael Carrick, currently manager of Middlesbrough, is reportedly the individual senior Manchester United executives intend to recommend to Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the club's permanent manager. This significant development could signal a new direction for the Old Trafford club, which has been grappling with inconsistent form and leadership changes in recent years. The recommendation, if accepted, would see Carrick return to a club where he spent 12 years as a player and later held various coaching positions.
Carrick's association with Manchester United is long-standing. He joined as a player in 2006, winning five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the Champions League, and the Europa League. Following his retirement in 2018, he transitioned into a coaching role under José Mourinho, then Ole Gunnar Solskjær. He also had a brief stint as caretaker manager in November and December 2021 after Solskjær's dismissal, overseeing three matches, including a Champions League win against Villarreal and a draw against Chelsea, before Ralf Rangnick took over.
His current role as manager of Championship side Middlesbrough has seen him gain valuable experience in top-level management. Since taking charge in October 2022, Carrick guided Middlesbrough to a play-off semi-final in his first season. This experience in a competitive league is likely a key factor in the executives' reported decision to back him for the prestigious Manchester United role.
The future of current manager Erik ten Hag has been a subject of considerable speculation, particularly following a challenging season for the Reds. Despite winning the FA Cup, the team finished eighth in the Premier League, their lowest position since 1990. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group, which acquired a 27.7% stake in Manchester United in February and took control of football operations, has been conducting a comprehensive review of the club's structure and personnel.
The decision to recommend Carrick would represent a significant statement from the club's hierarchy, opting for a figure deeply ingrained in United's history and culture, rather than an external appointment. This move could be seen as an attempt to restore a sense of identity and stability to the club, drawing on Carrick's understanding of its unique demands and expectations.
Should the recommendation be approved by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, it would mark a pivotal moment in Manchester United's ongoing efforts to return to the pinnacle of English and European football. Carrick's previous experience as a player and coach at Old Trafford, combined with his recent managerial tenure at Middlesbrough, presents a compelling case for those within the club advocating for his permanent appointment.