Michael Carrick is set to take charge of Manchester United in Saturday’s Manchester derby with a place in next season’s Champions League still at stake
13:21, 15 Jan 2026Updated 13:49, 15 Jan 2026
Michael Carrick will lead Manchester United until the end of the season (Image: PA)
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has heaped praise on Michael Carrick’s talent as a midfielder – hinting at how the ex-Reds star could solve a problem area in the club’s first-team squad. Carrick has taken charge as interim head coach until the end of the season after Ruben Amorim was sacked last week.
The former Middlesbrough boss won over United‘s hierarchy during talks and will be supported by coaches Steve Holland and Travis Binnion at M16. Carrick’s first game will be Saturday afternoon’s Premier League Manchester derby against Manchester City (12.30pm).
One area in which the Reds have struggled badly with in recent seasons is midfield – a position Carrick knows well from his time at Old Trafford. Age appears to have caught up with Casemiro at times while Manuel Ugarte has struggled to adapt to the English top-flight.
Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo has been linked with a move away from United in recent times after struggling for game time under Amorim. That may now change with the arrival of Carrick and Giggs, speaking to BetSelect, has explained why his former team mate was such a good player – hinting how the ex-England international could help to solve the midfield problem.
He said: “[It was] a dream. I played the majority of my games in midfield with Michael, and he just made it so much easier.
“And that’s why I still played for United until 40. I had brilliant players around me, which made it easy.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the quality that I had, and Michael was a big part of that.”
Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick played under Ryan Giggs when the former winger was a coach(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Despite the challenges he faces at United, the new temporary boss will be aware that there’s still much at stake with a potential top four or five finish and a chance to compete in next season’s Champions League.
The Reds may sit seventh in the Premier League table, but they only sit three points off fourth, which would guarantee a place in Europe’s elite competition and a much-needed financial boost.
Carrick will, though, have to navigate a tricky couple of fixtures across his first few games with title challengers City and Arsenal to come over the next few weeks.
Speaking to United’s official website after news of his appointment was confirmed, he said: “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour.
“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.”
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