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Manchester United Football Club on Friday appointed former United midfielder Michael Carrick as the club’s permanent head coach on a contract running until 2028.
“Manchester United is delighted to announce that Michael Carrick will continue as head coach of the men’s first team, having signed a new contract which will run to 2028,” the club said in a statement on their website.
Carrick, who took charge following Ruben Amorim’s departure in January, oversaw a strong turnaround in form, guiding United back into the Champions League with games to spare before sealing a third-place Premier League finish.
The former midfielder said his focus was now on restoring the club’s status as a challenger for major trophies.
Carrick described Manchester United as a special club and said he wanted to build on the progress made since taking over earlier in the year.
He also pointed to the atmosphere at Old Trafford during the club’s recent victory over Nottingham Forest, saying the unity between the team and supporters reflected what the club should represent.
“It’s good to make steps, good to get in the Champions League, good to finish third, but (I want) to make this place better,” the ex-England international told club media.
“I must admit on Sunday in the stadium it felt a little bit different. There was a real togetherness and kind of enjoyment from everyone and that was powerful for me.
“Supporting Manchester United and looking forward to what can happen should always be like that. That’s the drive (to win trophies) and for us to reward the fans would be pretty special,”he added.
The 44-year-old enjoyed a trophy-laden playing career at United under former manager Alex Ferguson, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
However, the club has struggled to challenge consistently for the league title since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
Carrick said winning the Premier League as both a player and manager would be an ambition worth pursuing, adding that it remained the standard the club should aim for.
United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, praised Carrick’s impact since taking charge, saying he had rebuilt confidence within the squad and strengthened the culture around the team.
“Michael’s achievements in leading the club back to the Champions League should not be understated,” he said.
“He has forged a strong bond with the players and can be proud of the winning culture at Carrington (training ground) and in the dressing room, which we are continuing to build,”he added.
