Carrick takes temporary charge of Man Utd with existing coaching team
Carrick joined the coaching staff under Jose Mourinho at the end of 2017/18
Written by Training Ground Guru — November 21, 2021
MICHAEL CARRICK has taken caretaker charge of Manchester United until the club appoints an interim boss who will take the reins to the end of the season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked as manager after three years in charge today following a run of just one win in seven Premier League matches. There had been speculation that his coaching staff would also be dismissed, but they have remained in place for the moment at least.
They are: assistants Mike Phelan, Martyn Pert and Kieran McKenna; goalkeeper coaches Richard Hartis and Craig Mawson; and set pieces coach Eric Ramsay.
Carrick, 40, joined the coaching set-up under Jose Mourinho after retiring from playing at the end of the 2017/18 season and became an even more prominent voice under Solskjaer. During matches he was the link between the club's analysts in the stands and the coaches on the bench.
The former England international is a Uefa Pro Licence holder and had an illustrious playing career, during which he won five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Carrick's first game in charge will be on Tuesday evening against Villarreal. Victory will see them through to the knockout stage of the Champions League with a game to spare; defeat will leave them vulnerable in Group F.
Speaking on MUTV after his sacking, Solskjaer was visibly emotional when he spoke about handing over to Carrick.
“Michael [Carrick] is going to be in charge,” he said. “Michael, I have the utmost respect [for], I love Michael to bits. I’m becoming emotional now because he’s top. They’ll be fine. I’ll watch them and support them.”
