Manchester United have struck a deal for Michael Carrick to continue as manager
It could be a busy week of announcements at Manchester United after Michael Carrick agreed a deal to stay on as permanent manager.
Carrick was brought in for the remainder of the campaign following Ruben Amorim’s January exit and has overseen a marked upturn, with United sealing Champions League qualification with three games to spare. With the managerial situation sorted, many fans’ attention will now turn to the summer transfer window, which could be a busy one at United.
While United have made great strides under Carrick, it’s clear the squad needs to revamp if they are to mount a title challenge next season. Beyond transfers, there is the not-so-small matter of the coaching team to iron out.
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Carrick’s backroom team has included Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, former United player Jonny Evans and goalkeeping coach Craig Mawson, with all four potentially staying on.
Holland spent 11 years as Sir Gareth Southgate’s assistant manager, first with England Under-21s and then the senior team. He has been praised for his work as United’s number two.
Carrick said: “Steve’s been fantastic. He’s got an awful lot of experience and seen pretty much everything before. He’s gone through it in some good times and in some more challenging times.
“He’s a very wise man, Steve, and says things that really are important at the right time. I think just general calmness and composure around for everyone. I think with all the staff, there’s the dynamics of bringing something a little bit different.”
Evans has been another key figure over the last few months. Following his retirement from playing, Evans took up the position of head of loans and pathways at Carrington, but the appointment was short-lived as he stepped back in December, only to return to help Darren Fletcher during his caretaker manager stint.
Carrick subsequently retained him on his coaching staff, praising the Northern Irishman for the work he has done on set-pieces. There are suggestions that a set-piece specialist, like former United coach Andreas Georgson, could be brought in to complement the group, but Evans is set to remain.
Former Leeds and Real Madrid defender Woodgate was hired, having been part of Carrick’s coaching team at Middlesbrough. Carrick likes having Woodgate around because he “challenges and pushes” me.
Mawson, who initially joined United from Burnley in 2019, is the only member of the coaching team left from Amorim’s reign. He was promoted to senior goalkeeping coach following Carrick’s arrival and is likely to be retained in the role. The futures of all four could be confirmed soon.
Elsewhere, it remains to be seen what role Travis Binnion will take up going forward, having been promoted from the under-21s to work with the first team.
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