Manchester United Executives Back Michael Carrick as Permanent Manager for 2026 Season

Manchester United's leadership supports Michael Carrick for the permanent manager role after his caretaker success.

Carrick favored for permanent United role Michael Carrick, aged 44, is set to be backed by Manchester United's senior management as the club's next permanent head coach. The former midfielder has emerged as the top candidate following his strong caretaker spell, which secured the team's Champions League qualification for the following season. United had planned to postpone the decision on replacing the sacked Ruben Amorim until the end of the season but now appear to be moving forward sooner. ## Executives finalize recommendation Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are believed to have decided that Carrick is the right leader for the role. They are expected to share their recommendation with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe during this week. Once Ratcliffe gives his approval, formal talks with Carrick will begin before a final appointment is confirmed. The club had initially aimed to delay the appointment until the end of the campaign. ## Next steps for United's leadership change Provided Ratcliffe agrees with the executives' assessment, Manchester United will enter formal negotiations with Carrick in the coming days. The club acted quickly after Carrick's caretaker tenure delivered Champions League football for next season. United's leadership believes his experience and recent results make him the ideal candidate to take the job permanently.