>Manchester United have reached a principle agreement with Michael Carrick to appoint the former midfielder as interim head coach until the end of the 2025/26 season. The news was first reported by The Athletic, citing sources close to the negotiations.

An official announcement is expected imminently, with Carrick set to take charge for the first time in Saturday’s high-stakes Manchester derby at Old Trafford. It is a baptism of fire for the 43-year-old, thrust straight into one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in world football.

The process of appointing an interim manager was led by sporting director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, with the decision signed off by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family. The move reflects a desire for continuity and stability at a critical moment in the club’s modern history.

Carrick is a true Manchester United icon. As a player, he made 464 appearances for the club, winning five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. After hanging up his boots, he remained at Old Trafford as part of the coaching staff under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, before stepping in as caretaker manager for three matches following Solskjaer’s dismissal in 2021.

In recent seasons, Carrick has continued to build his managerial credentials as head coach of Middlesbrough in the Championship. Now, he returns to familiar territory, tasked with steadying the ship and restoring belief at one of football’s most scrutinised institutions.