Perfect start not enough yet for Michael Carrick

February 7, 2026 Oliver Obel

Manchester United’s recent resurgence has eased immediate pressure at Old Trafford, but it has not answered the bigger question facing the club. Michael Carrick’s perfect start as interim head coach has lifted results and confidence, yet uncertainty remains over who will lead United beyond this season.

Club executives, mindful of recent managerial missteps, are determined not to let short-term momentum dictate a long-term decision.

Interim role, immediate impact

Carrick, 44, stepped into the interim head coach position last month after Ruben Amorim was dismissed following a difficult 14-month spell. The former United midfielder was asked to take charge until the end of the campaign, with a brief to stabilise performances and restore belief.

The response has been swift. United have recorded eye-catching wins over Manchester City and Arsenal and followed them with a dramatic 3-2 victory against Fulham at the weekend. The run has energised supporters and brought a calmer atmosphere to the training ground, according to club sources.

No fast track to permanence

Despite the results, Carrick has not been assured of the job on a permanent basis. BBC Sport has reported that United intend to follow what officials previously described as a “proper process,” assessing a range of candidates rather than accelerating an internal appointment.

Carrick is expected to remain in charge while that review continues, but the club’s stance reflects a broader desire to separate immediate form from long-term planning.

Lessons from recent instability

That caution is informed by recent experience. Uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future last season led United to explore alternatives before ultimately retaining him. Ten Hag was later dismissed in October, with Ruud van Nistelrooy overseeing a brief caretaker period before Amorim’s arrival — and eventual departure.

The sequence has reinforced the need, internally, for a more measured approach.

High-profile candidates considered

Several established names continue to be linked with the role. England manager Thomas Tuchel held discussions with United both before and after the 2024 FA Cup final, during doubts over Ten Hag’s position. Tuchel remains under contract through the 2026 World Cup, and any post-tournament move could complicate United’s pre-season preparations.

Mauricio Pochettino, now head coach of the United States men’s national team, has again been mentioned. He was previously considered before Ten Hag’s appointment and after his dismissal, but United opted for other directions on both occasions.

According to the BBC, Carlo Ancelotti and Julian Nagelsmann are also highly regarded, while other reported options include Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, former England boss Gareth Southgate and Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique.

Carrick focused on the present

Carrick has consistently downplayed speculation about his future. Speaking earlier this season, he said:
“We're realistic about where we are at the moment, why I'm here.
That doesn't change how we go about it in the day-to-day and the focus and making decisions for the long term.
All I can control is what we give the players and how we create the atmosphere around the group. We'll see what happens after that.”

United host Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, a fixture that offers another test of Carrick’s influence. Whether it strengthens his long-term case or simply extends his audition, the club appears intent on keeping emotion out of the final decision.

Sources: BBC