Michael Carrick ‘agrees deal in principle’ to become Man Utd interim head coach

Manchester United have agreed a deal in principle to appoint Michael Carrick as their interim head coach.

Carrick emerged as the frontrunner after the club spoke both to the 44-year-old and former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about taking charge in a role which would be due to run until the end of the season.

The Press Association understands that Carrick became the main focus of talks on Monday and the former United captain has now come to an agreement with the club.

Official confirmation of the appointment is set to come later on Tuesday.

Carrick previously took charge of United in a caretaker role for three matches after Solskjaer was sacked as manager in late 2021, having previously worked under both Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho in United’s first-team coaching staff.

The former England midfielder, who made 464 appearances for United during a 12-year stint in which he won five Premier League titles and lifted the Champions League, won two and drew one of those matches before Ralf Rangnick took charge for the rest of the season.

He was named Middlesbrough boss in October 2022 and reached the Sky Bet Championship play-offs in his first season, but was dismissed last summer.

Rooney, a team-mate of Carrick’s for the majority of his time at Old Trafford, has backed the appointment.

Speaking on BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show, the 40-year-old former England captain said: “I was with him in Barbados last week! So obviously none of us saw this coming. Michael is a very clever person and he’ll command respect from the dressing room.”

Asked whether he would join Carrick’s staff, if asked, Rooney laughed. “Of course I would! I think it’s a no-brainer if that’s the situation.

"Of course I would!"

Wayne Rooney wouldn't think twice