Details of Carrick’s successful Manchester United interview revealed! Dislikes philosophy, focuses on practical work, aims to complete unfinished business

At the beginning of 2026, Carrick was still holidaying in Barbados with ex-Manchester United teammates Rooney and Jonny Evans, soaking up the sunshine and beach vibes, and anticipating a charity golf tournament in Thailand at the end of the month, competing against Gareth Bale, Giggs, and Vidic. However, a few days later, he had no choice but to head back to chilly Old Trafford to get ready for the rest of the Premier League season. He couldn’t participate in the golf event anymore because that weekend he had to lead Manchester United against Fulham!

Carrick was not unfamiliar with this role; in 2021, he managed Manchester United in three matches against teams coached by Emery at Villarreal, Tuchel at Chelsea, and Arteta at Arsenal — all three coaches currently working in England. Manchester United will soon visit Arsenal, still led by Arteta, later this month. Emery is now Aston Villa’s manager, with both legs against the Red Devils already played, while Tuchel, as England’s national team coach, will surely watch some of the matches directed by Carrick.

When competing for the Manchester United head coach position, Carrick’s rival was Solskjær, his former boss and friend. After Solskjær was dismissed, Carrick could have stayed at United, but out of respect for the Norwegian, he chose to leave as well. Yet fate brought them to compete against each other.

After Rúben Amorim’s dismissal, Manchester United believed that confirming a permanent head coach in the summer would offer more options, as many renowned coaches would be out of contract and the World Cup would free up top managers. Therefore, the Glazer family’s executive team decided to select an interim coach from club legends. This DNA coach would still bear great responsibility. Sporting director Jason Wilcox told the players in the locker room after Amorim’s firing that qualifying for the Champions League remains the season’s goal, which is crucial for Manchester United’s sporting reputation and financial health.

Manchester United wanted an interim head coach who understood the club and squad and could immediately earn respect from staff and players. Other key considerations included tactical sharpness, effective communication with the English media, and popularity among fans. Wilcox quickly shortlisted Solskjær, Carrick, and Van Nistelrooy, reporting the list to the board and the Glazer family.

The day after Amorim’s dismissal, Wilcox held preliminary phone discussions with the three candidates and arranged subsequent face-to-face meetings. Familiar with Van Nistelrooy, the Glazers knew the Dutchman well and decided not to meet him in person, leading to his quick withdrawal from the competition.

At 52, Solskjær was the initial favorite and was spending New Year’s in Manchester. He was spotted shopping at a Wilmslow supermarket and watching the movie "Super Marty" at a cinema. However, on Wednesday, Solskjær caught the flu and missed his mentor Åge Hareide’s funeral in Norway. His negotiations with Manchester United were postponed to the weekend, by which time he had fallen behind Carrick in the race.

On Thursday, Carrick met with Wilcox and Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada. The 44-year-old Englishman outlined the strategies he would implement if appointed head coach. Reportedly, the two top executives were impressed by his plan and his modest enthusiasm.

Rumors about Solskjær’s potential return and his love for Manchester United circulated widely, but Carrick remained calm. He felt he still had unfinished business at Old Trafford but saw no need for grandstanding. In December 2021, Rangnick had actively encouraged Carrick to stay and assist him, but Carrick felt it would betray Solskjær, so he said he needed a break and left the club.

Now, Carrick no longer owed anything to Solskjær. After Thursday’s interview, he felt confident about his chances, even though Manchester United would still meet with Solskjær. Solskjær’s Saturday interview reportedly went well, and he also felt positive afterward, but the situation was no longer as certain as it had seemed days before.

Before Manchester United’s FA Cup loss to Brighton, the board had already leaned toward choosing Carrick. They knew that even during Solskjær’s tenure as head coach, daily training was mainly handled by the coaching staff, including Carrick. Another Solskjær assistant, Kieran McKenna, has since become an excellent coach, leading Ipswich to good results and currently sitting third in the Championship.

Manchester United regard Carrick as an intelligent, young, and influential coach capable of taking charge of the team before the season ends. The club also values his leadership skills and deep familiarity with the squad, which are his key strengths.

Manchester United wanted a hands-on, low-profile, pragmatic head coach. As a player, Carrick was a rational and composed midfielder, and he has similar qualities as a coach. Especially during press conferences, Carrick dislikes grandiose talk; when asked about "philosophy," he bluntly replied, "I hate that word."

Carrick does not preach football concepts like Amorim or Ten Hag, but under his guidance, Middlesbrough played each match with a clear and systematic style.

Regarding style, Carrick said, "Maybe everyone has their own beliefs about certain styles; that’s just my view of the game. I think everyone has different opinions, none right or wrong. Your eyes naturally see the game a certain way. My team’s style feels comfortable to me; it feels more like ‘me.’"

The media hype before Solskjær’s interview was not believed to be orchestrated by him. Some said Solskjær was also puzzled by rumors claiming his eagerness for a second stint since Manchester United had not even approached him at that time.

Manchester United did not formally consult Sir Alex Ferguson, but during coffee chats with Wilcox and Berrada, the legendary manager reportedly supported choosing Carrick. Solskjær himself prophetically said in 2023, "If Michael wants it, he will 100% become Manchester United’s head coach."