Michael Carrick has officially been confirmed as the permanent manager of Manchester United after reaching an agreement on a new long-term contract with the club.
The decision ends weeks of speculation surrounding United’s managerial future and signals a major vote of confidence in Carrick from the club’s new leadership structure.
According to reports, the appointment received approval from minority owner Jim Ratcliffe alongside senior Manchester United executives, with negotiations quietly progressing behind the scenes for several weeks.
Football transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development on Friday, revealing that Carrick had fully accepted the project and was expected to sign the contract imminently.
“Michael Carrick will stay at Manchester United as permanent manager, confirmed,” Romano wrote on X.
The agreement is believed to include either a two-year contract with an extension option or a direct three-year structure, depending on performance conditions.
Carrick’s appointment follows a strong period as interim manager, during which he reportedly gained increasing support internally from players, staff, and sections of the fanbase.
The former United midfielder has long been viewed as one of the club’s most respected football minds following his years under legendary manager Alex Ferguson and his subsequent coaching role at Old Trafford.
His promotion also reflects Manchester United’s apparent desire to rebuild around individuals deeply connected to the club’s identity and culture after several turbulent managerial eras.
One of Carrick’s immediate priorities will be to stabilize the squad after another difficult campaign marked by inconsistency, dressing room tension, and growing supporter frustration.
During his latest media appearance, Carrick confirmed that Brazilian midfielder Casemiro would be available for what is expected to be his farewell appearance at Old Trafford.
The 34-year-old midfielder has been strongly linked with an exit as Manchester United prepares for another major squad rebuild this summer.
Carrick also revealed his intention to continue a tradition closely associated with Sir Alex Ferguson by personally addressing supporters after the upcoming clash against Nottingham Forest.
“That’s important anyway,” Carrick said.
“The supporters are a massive part of this club. We thank them for the season; the last four months for me personally.”
“Regardless of that, for what we’ve gone through and that connection, which the players have felt, it’s important for me to thank the fans for that.”
For many Manchester United supporters, Carrick’s appointment represents both a nostalgic return to familiar club values and a major gamble at one of football’s most demanding institutions.
Now officially entrusted with the long-term rebuild, the former midfielder faces the enormous challenge of restoring stability, identity, and competitiveness to one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
