Michael Carrick has been appointed Manchester United head coach on a full-time basis, the club have confirmed.
Carrick has been handed a two-year contract as a reward for the job he has done since being installed until the end of the season in January.
The 44-year-old former United midfielder has secured qualification for next season’s Champions League by winning 11 of his 16 games in charge to clinch third place in the Premier League behind Arsenal and Manchester City.
‘From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United,’ said Carrick. ‘Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride.
‘Throughout the past five months this group of players have shown they can reach the standards of resilience, togetherness and determination that we demand here.
‘Now it’s time to move forward together, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose. Manchester United and our incredible supporters deserve to be challenging for the biggest honours again.’
Michael Carrick secured United’s qualification for next season’s Champions League by winning 10 of his 15 games in charge
Carrick pictured with United chief Jason Wilcox after signing a two-year deal
United sources say it wasn’t guaranteed that Carrick would land the full-time job, but wins over City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa, in particular, counted heavily in his favour.
Not only have results and performances been better since he replaced Ruben Amorim, but there has been a notable improvement in the culture around Carrington compared to the fraught final stages of the Portuguese coach’s reign. Insiders have described the shift in mood as ‘huge and positive’.
Club bosses were impressed with the way Carrick and his staff have stepped into their roles and adapted so quickly, with Carrick’s attention to the academy teams – also in contrast to the Amorim era – another big plus.
What is said to have been a ‘discreet and thorough process’ was led by director of football Jason Wilcox as United took their time over making a final decision and weighed up several other candidates.
Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola was high among them, but once he was ruled out of contention last week, the path was clear for Carrick. Chief executive Omar Berrada made a recommendation to the board and both sets of owners, the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who were all aligned on the decision.
Matheus Cunha was one of several stars to openly back Carrick for the top job
Wilcox said: ‘Michael has thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue leading our men’s team. In the time he has been doing the role, we have seen positive results on the pitch, but more than that, an approach which aligns with the club’s values, traditions and history.
‘Michael’s achievements in leading the club back to the Champions League should not be understated. He has forged a strong bond with the players and can be proud of the winning culture at Carrington and in the dressing room, which we are continuing to build.’
Carrick, who has been nominated for the Premier League manager of the season award despite being in charge for less than half the campaign, becomes the seventh permanent boss at United in the 13 years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
His backroom team of Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion are also set to be rewarded with new contracts, which will be confirmed once United finalise the paperwork.
