Michael Carrick is widely expected to be appointed as Manchester United’s interim manager until the conclusion of the current season, with the former midfielder once again stepping into a familiar role at Old Trafford. At 44 years old, Carrick has already demonstrated during a previous spell that he is prepared to make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions, even when it comes to high-profile players.

Manchester United have been searching for a temporary solution in the managerial hot seat following the departure of Ruben Amorim last week. Amorim’s exit came after a disappointing Premier League draw against Leeds United, which proved to be the final straw in a turbulent period for the club. Since then, the responsibility of guiding the team has fallen to Darren Fletcher on an interim basis.

Under Fletcher’s short-term stewardship, United have endured mixed results. The Red Devils managed to secure a league draw against Burnley but followed that up with a frustrating defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup third round over the weekend. Those results have intensified the need for stability, prompting the club to move swiftly toward appointing an interim manager with previous experience.

Carrick has now emerged as the leading candidate and is expected to take charge until the end of the season, reportedly edging out another club legend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, for the role. According to reports, Manchester United have already reached an agreement with Carrick, and he was seen arriving at the club’s Carrington training complex on Tuesday ahead of an official announcement.

If confirmed, this appointment would mark Carrick’s second spell as interim manager at United. He previously filled the role in late 2021 following Solskjaer’s dismissal, overseeing the team before Ralf Rangnick was brought in as permanent manager. That brief tenure offered a glimpse into Carrick’s approach to management and his willingness to make bold decisions under pressure.

Insight into that earlier period suggests Carrick will not hesitate to take tough calls if he believes it benefits the team. One of the most notable moments from his previous stint came during a Champions League fixture against Villarreal, where he made the controversial decision to leave Bruno Fernandes out of the starting lineup. At the time, the Portuguese midfielder was experiencing a dip in form, and Carrick opted to prioritize balance over reputation.

During his initial interim run, Carrick managed a total of three matches. In addition to the Champions League win over Villarreal, he also oversaw Premier League encounters against Arsenal and Chelsea. His calm demeanor on the touchline and measured decision-making earned quiet praise, even though his time in charge was short-lived.

Interestingly, Carrick showed restraint in his use of certain experienced players during that spell. Juan Mata, who is believed to share a close friendship with Carrick from their playing days at Old Trafford, was limited to just one substitute appearance. This further underlined Carrick’s preference for objectivity over sentimentality when making selection decisions.

Should Carrick be officially confirmed in the coming days, his first match in charge would be a daunting one: a Premier League Manchester derby against Manchester City this Saturday. The fixture represents a significant challenge, but also an opportunity for Carrick to make an immediate impact and steady a team that has struggled for consistency.

With United already eliminated from both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup this season, the club’s focus will now rest entirely on league performance. The remainder of the campaign will be about salvaging pride, securing European qualification if possible, and laying groundwork for a more stable future.

The FA Cup defeat to Brighton also highlighted a stark statistic: United are set to play just 40 matches across all competitions this season, the club’s lowest total in a single campaign since the 1914–15 season. This underlines how quickly the season has unraveled and why the club is eager to restore order.

As Manchester United prepare for another transitional phase, Carrick’s return offers familiarity, calm leadership, and a proven willingness to make hard decisions when required. Whether his interim tenure can provide the stability the club desperately needs remains to be seen, but his appointment appears imminent as United look to navigate the remainder of a challenging season.