Manchester United has announced the appointment of Michael
Carrick as head coach of its men’s first
team, having signed a new contract which will run till 2028.
Carrick expressed his ambition to restore Manchester United
as contenders for major trophies after the club announced him as their new
permanent head coach on a two-year deal on Friday.
The former United midfielder and captain has overseen a
remarkable turnaround in form at Old Trafford since taking charge following
Ruben Amorim's contentious departure in January.
Carrick secured Champions League qualification with three
matches remaining and sealed third place with a 3-2 Premier League win over
Nottingham Forest on Sunday — his 11th victory in 16 games.
"Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Michael
Carrick will continue as head coach of the men's first team, signing a new
contract until 2028," the club announced on their official website.
As a player under Sir Alex Ferguson, Carrick won five
Premier League titles and the Champions League among numerous trophies.
However, since Ferguson's retirement in 2013, United have
struggled to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League, with neighbors
Manchester City establishing dominance in English football.
Carrick, who first joined United as a player 20 years ago,
said he has always felt the "magic" of the club.
Now, the former Middlesbrough boss, with previous coaching
experience at United, aims to build on his achievements since January.
"It's good to take steps, to qualify for the Champions
League, and to finish third, but I want to make this club better. On Sunday, I
felt something different in the stadium — a real sense of togetherness and
enjoyment from everyone, and that was powerful for me. Supporting Manchester
United and looking forward to what we can achieve should always feel like that.
That drive to win trophies and reward the fans would be pretty special," Carrick
told MUTV.
Carrick's contract runs until 2028, aligning with United
co-owners Ineos's plan to celebrate the club's 150th anniversary with a league
title.
He has the opportunity to become the first person to win the
Premier League both as a player and as a manager.
"I'd take that right now," Carrick said.
"That's the goal, and I have to believe in it. That's where we want to be
as a club."
Club director of football Jason Wilcox praised Carrick's
performance since taking over at Old Trafford.
"Michael's achievements in guiding the club back to the
Champions League should not be underestimated. He has built a strong bond with
the players and fostered a winning culture at Carrington (training ground) and
in the dressing room, which we are continuing to develop," he commented.
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