Image source: skysports.com
Michael Carrick has reached a verbal agreement with Manchester United to become interim head coach until the end of the season following late negotiations on Monday night. The former United midfielder will sign paperwork on Tuesday after arriving at Carrington training ground to meet director of football Jason Wilcox.
Michael Carrick Agrees to Take Charge of Manchester United Until End of Season
Negotiations between Carrick and Manchester United continued late into Monday evening before all outstanding issues were resolved, with Sky Sports News confirming the verbal agreement was reached. The contractual details are now being finalised by lawyers representing both parties, with Carrick expected to sign the paperwork on Tuesday afternoon following his arrival at the Carrington training ground.
United held meetings with both Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before deciding to appoint the former midfielder to the interim position. Carrick’s first match in charge will be the Manchester derby against Manchester City on Saturday at Old Trafford, which kicks off at 12.30pm and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The 43-year-old former England international arrives at Old Trafford with tactical experience gained during his time managing Middlesbrough. Carrick predominantly deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation during his tenure at the Riverside Stadium, occasionally reverting to a 4-4-2 system and three-at-the-back formations depending on the opposition and match situation.
Under Carrick’s management at Middlesbrough, the team recorded league-leading statistics for high turnovers and fast breaks while ranking among the top sides for both build-up attacks and direct attacks. His tactical approach combined patient possession-based build-up play with frequent switches to long passes and rapid transitions, suggesting he will implement an aggressive pressing system at United.
Carrick will meet with director of football Jason Wilcox on Tuesday to discuss immediate plans for the squad ahead of a challenging fixture list that includes matches against Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham following the Manchester City encounter. The appointment represents United’s latest attempt to stabilise the team’s management structure during a transitional period at Old Trafford.
