Man United have been linked with Michael Carrick as manager after Amorim was sacked

Manchester United have begun the process of appointing a manager who will take over following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, as the club’s veteran Michael Carrick is the frontrunner to steady the ship until the end of the season.

Amorim was sacked earlier this week after a spell at Old Trafford, where games broke down and tensions reached a fever pitch.

Although United’s struggle on the field played a major role, it was the Portuguese coach’s interview after the game that ended in a 1-1 draw with Leeds United that finally forced the club’s hand.

With Amorim gone, United’s management are now moving quickly to install a replacement to prevent a slide down the Premier League table.

Man United held talks with Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

According to Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport, Manchester United have already contacted Michael Carrick to discuss a possible return as interim manager.

The report says the talks took place on Tuesday, highlighting United’s urgency to restore stability following Amorim’s departure.

Earlier it was reported that Carrick will be tempted by the job of Manchester United.

However, Carrick is not the only option being considered. United have also reached out to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is said to want to return and is currently considered a strong contender for the role.

Michael Carrick’s coaching journey and previous career as a caretaker

Michael Carrick retired from professional football in 2018 and soon transitioned into coaching, becoming assistant manager at Manchester United under Jose Mourinho and later Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

He was appointed interim manager in November 2021 following Solskjaer’s sacking, overseeing three games.

Carrick went unbeaten in that short spell, recording two wins and one draw, before stepping aside following the appointment of Ralf Rangnick.

Although brief, the position boosted his reputation and helped pave the way for his first permanent managerial role with Middlesbrough.

Why is Carrick appealing to Manchester United management?

Carrick took over at Middlesbrough when the club were sitting 21st in the Championship, quickly turning their fortunes around.

Under his leadership:

• Middlesbrough climbed out of the bottom half and into the Championship play-offs in his first season
• He guided the club to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup in 2024, including a memorable first-leg victory over Chelsea.
• His 4-2-3-1-based system has won widespread acclaim for its calm formation and fluid play.

Many feel that Carrick’s tactical approach would suit United’s current squad better than Amorim’s strict 3-4-3 formation.

After working extensively under Sir Alex Ferguson, and later with Mourinho and Solskjaer,

Carrick is widely regarded as someone who understands the club’s identity, culture, and expectations, while also having the modern coaching credentials needed to salvage a fractured campaign.