Manchester United have finally ended months of speculation surrounding the managerial situation at Old Trafford.
The club considered several candidates behind the scenes after a dramatic turnaround during the second half of the season pushed United back into the Champions League places.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann and Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner were all linked with the role during recent weeks.
However, Manchester United’s hierarchy ultimately decided against looking outside the club.
Instead, they backed a familiar figure who completely changed the mood around Old Trafford after arriving midway through the campaign.
Manchester United officially confirmed Michael Carrick as their permanent head coach after handing the former midfielder a two-year contract.
The 44-year-old originally took charge on an interim basis in January after the club struggled badly during the first half of the season.
At that stage, United sat sixth in the Premier League table and faced serious danger of missing Champions League football again. However, Carrick transformed results almost immediately.
Manchester United won 11 of his 16 matches in charge. He eventually secured a third-place finish to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Reports suggest that the director of football, Jason Wilcox, and chief executive Omar Berrada strongly recommended Carrick to Sir Jim Ratcliffe . They were impressed with the turnaround.
United reportedly never made formal contact with any external candidates once Carrick established himself as the leading option. Carrick also received major backing from inside the dressing room.
Both Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, and Matheus Cunha publicly supported the former midfielder remaining in charge permanently.
The appointment also continues Carrick’s long association with Manchester United. He joined the club from Tottenham in 2006.
Carrick made 464 appearances during a hugely successful playing career at Old Trafford. He had won five Premier League titles, the Champions League, and several domestic trophies.
Later, he also worked under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer inside the coaching staff.
United also confirmed that Carrick’s coaching staff, including Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion, all signed new contracts.
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