Michael Carrick is said to be the favourite to become Manchester United’s next permanent head coach, with his coaching staff’s work proving key to his prospects
21:09, 20 Feb 2026Updated 21:09, 20 Feb 2026
Michael Carrick has Jonathan Woodgate and Steve Holland as assistant coaches(Image: James Gill – Danehouse, Getty Images)
Jonathan Woodgate and Steve Holland have played a key role in helping Michael Carrick emerge as the frontrunner to become Manchester United’s next permanent head coach. Carrick is now reportedly leading the race for the position, according to The i Paper, and is as strong a contender as any other candidate, having made a positive impression since stepping in to replace Ruben Amorim.
The interim boss remaining in charge next season would suggest that Holland and Woodgate will also keep their coaching positions. The i Paper claims that sources describe them, alongside fellow coaches Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion, as having the “perfect balance”.
One source reportedly expressed surprise that a Premier League rival had not snapped up Holland, citing his talent and expertise. Having spent a lengthy period as an assistant at Chelsea before joining the England set-up, Holland’s wealth of experience has reportedly helped Carrick’s younger coaching staff work together effectively.
READ MORE: Diogo Dalot reveals what Michael Carrick has that Ruben Amorim could never matchREAD MORE: Michael Carrick describes exact moment he learned of Man Utd job
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Woodgate is amongst them, having previously only worked at Bournemouth and Middlesbrough. Notably, his decision to learn Spanish during his playing days at Real Madrid has reputedly proved invaluable.
The former England international’s tactical knowledge is said to have caught some off guard. As an ex-defender, his one-on-one work with Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro has also drawn attention.
Carrick has discussed his coaching team extensively with the BBC. He said: “There’s a really strong group, and it feels like we’ve been together a long time, but we didn’t all know each other.
“I didn’t really know Steve personally an awful lot. I thought it would come together nicely and was balanced, and there’s a reason why I wanted to bring Steve in.
Jonathan Woodgate and Steve Holland are supporting Michael Carrick
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“Jonathan… I had him at Middlesbrough – loyal, gets me, knows me, pushes me, challenges me… really good relationship. Jonny [Evans] knew the club. He’s been here so long and has a really good relationship with the players as well… loves coaching, loves helping, cares a lot.”
“And then with Travis… the club needs the academy. It’s a massive part of this football club. I think there’s a really good balance with the responsibility of the academy, young players and then Jonathan and Jonny – being two of the best centre-backs you could come across in the last 20-25 years – to pass their information on.”
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“Steve – with his experience in so many ways… Chelsea, with change of managers and different styles of managers and top, top players, and England. All the staff are able to cope being around the environment, and I think that’s so important.”
Carrick is adamant that they are not yes-men, adding: “I can’t be right the whole time – it’s impossible. That’s why we’ve got a group of six in our office.
“We’ve all got strong opinions, but I think we all filter it, and it’s important that we have a connection and understanding of what direction we want to go in. We have to push each other, for sure.”
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