Manchester United has officially confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as the permanent head coach of the men’s first team, rewarding him with a new contract that runs until 2028.

The 44-year-old former Red Devils midfielder and captain took charge in January following the acrimonious departure of Rúben Amorim and successfully transformed the club’s fortunes.

Carrick secured Champions League qualification with three games to spare and guided United to a third-place finish in the Premier League, winning 11 of his 16 matches at the helm.

The decision to solidify Carrick’s position came after director of football Jason Wilcox conducted an in-depth review of managerial options before presenting his recommendation to chief executive Omar Berrada, with full backing from both the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Reflecting on the positive culture Carrick has reinstated at Old Trafford, Wilcox stated, “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.”

As a highly decorated former player who won five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy under Sir Alex Ferguson, Carrick is determined to bring silverware back to Manchester as a manager. Ineos co-owners have set an ambitious target to claim the league title by 2028 to mark the club’s 150th anniversary, a goal Carrick has fully embraced.

“I’d take that right now! That’s the goal and I’ve got to believe it,” Carrick told club media. “That’s what we’ve got to aim for. It’s where we want to be as a club. It’s not so much for me. It’d be an incredible thing for me to do. But just to see this club lifting trophies and winning leagues and challenging for Champions Leagues—that’s the buzz.”

With a massive summer transfer window ahead, Carrick is already working alongside Wilcox to construct a squad capable of handling the return to Europe’s elite competition.

He emphasized that his approach has never been about short-term fixes, but rather laying down foundations for sustained success. Reflecting on his deep bond with the institution, Carrick added,

“From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United. Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride. Now it’s time to move forward together again, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose. Manchester United and our incredible supporters deserve to be challenging for the biggest honours again.”