‘I know Michael Carrick from our time at Man United together and this is what fans can now expect from him’
Michael Carrick is closing in on being appointed as the interim manager of Man United after emerging as the favourite ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
That is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade and remains very well-connected there, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 44-year-old is the right man for the job.
Carrick was most recently the head coach at Middlesbrough before his dismissal in June 2025, but has been frequently tipped for a role in the Premier League.
The former midfielder made 464 appearances for the Red Devils, lifting the Champions League and five Premier League titles, and could now make a return.
Football Insider revealed on 9 January that Man United were eyeing Solskjaer as the favourite for the role, but Carrick has now moved ahead.
Michael Carrick set to land Man United interim role
Brown first told Football Insider immediately after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal that Man United are targeting Carrick as a potential interim replacement.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience working closely alongside elite-level managers, including Sir Alex Ferguson, for over a decade, explained that Carrick’s experience and leadership skills make him the ideal short-term appointment.
“Michael Carrick is a top contender for the job,” he told Football Insider.
“I know him from his time at Man United as a player. He’s a great lad, he’s conducted himself very well throughout his career as a player and now as a manager.
“He’s been spoken about highly for his job at Middlesbrough and the work he has done as a coach and as a manager, so it’s no surprise he’s being considered.
“Bringing him in on an interim basis makes sense, if they’re looking for short-term impact and somebody to tide them over until the end of the season.
“It’s also a good opportunity for him. As I said, he’s highly rated and received a lot of plaudits for the work he’s done elsewhere, so it’s another step up.
“If he does a good job between now and the end of the season, it can only be positive for him.”
Who will be Man United’s next permanent manager?
Football Insider revealed on 11 January that Man United are lining up a “top-class” manager to become their next permanent boss following an interim spell.
Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola, of Crystal Palace and Bournemouth respectively, are both leading contenders for the position at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is one of the names on their shortlist following his dramatic exit from Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day.
Following this, Football Insider revealed on 11 January that Julian Nagelsmann is an option for Man United, with Christopher Vivell pushing for his appointment.
Vivell and Nagelsmann previously worked together at RB Leipzig and enjoy a strong relationship which would aid his case for landing the Man United job.
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