Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick wants to be blown ‘off his seat’ by exciting football

LONDON – Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick said on Jan 13, following his appointment until the end of the season, that he wants to be “off his seat” watching his team play an exciting style of football.

The 44-year-old former United midfielder and ex-Middlesbrough boss replaces Ruben Amorim, who was sacked earlier in January. He faces an immediate baptism of fire, with his first match being the derby against second-place Manchester City in an English Premier League tie at Old Trafford on Jan 17.

Carrick inherits a team in crisis, sitting seventh in the table – a whopping 17 points behind leaders Arsenal – and eliminated from both domestic Cups at the first hurdle. “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour,” the Englishman said.

“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.

“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.”

In a separate interview on the club’s Inside Carrington podcast, he gave more details on what fans can expect from his side.

“We want to win games. You know, it goes without saying, we want to win games. There are different ways of doing it, different scenarios, different situations in games. You might have to play a certain way,” he said.

“But for me, it’s working with the player... We are all in it together. I think it’s important that we all look after each other. But of course, listen, I know it comes down to results.

“Hopefully, we can play a really exciting type of football and be positive. I want to be off my seat. I want to be enjoying watching the boys play and results obviously need to come with that. Obviously, you can feel my kind of enthusiasm for it because I’m buzzing to get started and see what we can do.”

The FA Cup exit in a 2-1 home defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion on Jan 11 has left United facing their shortest season since 1914-15, with just 40 games to play.

It is a return to familiar territory for Carrick, who previously served as caretaker manager in 2021, following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal.

A team source said three candidates were interviewed, with the British media reporting that Solskjaer was in contention for the role.

United were not keen to change manager mid-season, according to the team source, but results and behaviours meant they felt they needed to act immediately in order to achieve their objectives.

The objective was to bring in someone who knew and understood the club to reduce the risk of a period of adaptation.

Following Amorim’s turbulent tenure, United had placed Carrick’s former teammate and Under-18 coach Darren Fletcher in temporary charge but he failed to register a win in his two games, having also drawn 2-2 with lowly Burnley in the league.

The Scot will now remain as lead coach of the Under-18s, the club confirmed.

Carrick brings significant United pedigree, having made 464 appearances across all competitions during his playing career, lifting five Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy with the club.

His managerial experience includes a mixed stint at second-tier club Middlesbrough, where he initially worked wonders after joining in October 2022 with the Championship side languishing in 21st place.

He quickly turned things around, guiding them to a fourth-place finish and the play-offs in his first season, while they reached the League Cup semi-finals the following campaign.

However, Middlesbrough failed to gain promotion as they finished eighth and 10th in his last two seasons, leading to Carrick’s removal in June 2025.

He faces a testing first two games in charge, with a trip to the Emirates to play Arsenal following the Manchester derby.

With domestic Cups already off the table, securing a top-four finish will be a key target, but Carrick will also be tasked with reviving belief and tactical cohesion in a demoralised squad in a state of disarray. REUTERS