Man Utd dressing room make position clear on club hiring Carrick

The Manchester United circus continued over the weekend when the once mighty Red Devils limped towards their second domestic cup exit of the season. Without the benefit of European football, it means United will play just 40 matches across all competitions this season.

That is, of course, on the back of a second-round League Cup defeat to fourth-tier Grimsby Town from earlier in the season - a result heralded as one of Ruben Amorim’s worst in charge. But with the Portuguese tactician already out the door, attention has turned to who will take charge of United’s final 17 matches of the 2025/26 season.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Manchester United FC news, fixtures, results and transfer gossip plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

It had looked as if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would make a triumphant return just over four years after he was sacked following a mixed stint in charge. However, after direct talks with the INEOS hierarchy, it’s reported that Michael Carrick appears the most likely to take the job until the end of the season.

Carrick had a three-game stint as caretaker following Solskjaer's sacking in 2021, and is said to already boast a large backing within the United dressing room. That’s according to ESPN, who claim the existing United players are enthusiastic about the prospect of Carrick taking charge for the rest of the campaign.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

It’s suggested that United’s hierarchy are keen to make an announcement in the early part of this week in order to give the replacement ample time to prepare for Saturday’s Manchester derby. It would bring an end to Darren Fletcher’s two-game stint as United caretaker, culminating in Saturday’s third-round defeat to Brighton.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Reflecting on his time has caretaker, Fletcher remarked: "True character reveals itself in difficult times. You know in difficult times true character is going to show so they have to dig and make sure they want to be part of Manchester United's future. And ultimately, if you're not, then I don't think you should be here or will be here. It sounds strong, but that's just the reality and the way it should be."

He continued: "That is where we're at, we can't hide behind that," Fletcher added. We've got to face that and we've got to deal with that and it's not Manchester United level or what's expected of Manchester United. The players have to group together, take responsibility. Find a way of improving quickly and taking on the challenge for the rest of the season. Don't waste the season."

Click here to read article