Michael Carrick has returned for a second stint as interim head coach at Manchester United following a week-long deliberation after Ruben Amorim’s departure.
The former midfielder enjoyed a three-game spell in 2021, replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the hotseat.
As previously detailed, Carrick impressed the Ineos hierarchy when sharing his intentions ahead of a potentially galvanising season-ending run.
He takes over from a familiar face in Darren Fletcher, who became the fifth former-United player to embrace the position in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
The Scot led a troubled side into two fixtures, drawing a Premier League outing with Burnley before suffering a disappointing FA Cup exit to Brighton on Sunday evening.
Although Ineos retains ambitions of gaining European qualification, many have questioned their approach since the turn of the year, especially ahead of back-to-back fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal.
Nonetheless, the United faithful will support Carrick from day one, with a collective hope for consistency emanating in the North West.
Michael Carrick returns to Manchester United
Solskjaer was installed as an early favourite following Amorim’s departure; however, our sources confirmed that the Norwegians’ desire to earn a permanent deal enhanced Carrick’s credentials.
Ineos did not expect to be dealing with any mid-season departure and had cultivated a multi-year plan involving Ruben and a highly-publicised Project 150.
Still, Carrick presented a transparent vision with a short-term plan to settle matters at the club, while retaining a genuine belief in the capabilities within the squad.
We’re told the former Middlesbrough chief aims to bolster his domestic standing ahead of a summer where several Premier League posts may become available.
“Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour,” he told the clubs official channels.
“I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing.
“I have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years, I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here.
“There is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves.”
The one-time midfield great will oversee his first training session on Wednesday, ahead of Pep Guardiola’s arrival on Saturday.
Despite all of the doom and gloom throughout social and mainstream media, a victory could lift this troubled United squad into the Champions League places before an intriguing trip to North London next weekend.
If there was ever a time for a talented young coach to display his abilities at the highest level, a disgruntled supporter base is praying for just that.
How do you feel about Michael Carrick returning to Old Trafford? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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