Manchester, 14 January (H.S.): Manchester United officially appointed former player Michael Carrick as head coach until the end of the current season on Tuesday, marking his return to Old Trafford where he previously guided the team unbeaten through three matches as caretaker manager in 2021.

The 44-year-old Carrick featured in 464 games for United during his playing career, securing five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and FIFA Club World Cup. His most recent coaching stint came at Championship side Middlesbrough, appointed in October 2022, where he led the team to the playoff semi-finals in his debut season before dismissal in June following a 10th-place finish the next campaign.

United had explored a potential comeback with ex-player and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer prior to finalizing Carrick's appointment on Tuesday. In a club website interview, Carrick stated: Taking responsibility at Manchester United is an honor. I know what success demands here. My focus remains elevating players to the standards expected at this great club. I trust this team's talent, dedication, and winning potential. Much remains achievable this season, and we stand ready to reward fans' support with performances worthy of them.

Carrick will draw support from coaching staff including Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, Jonny Evans, and Craig Mawson. The Red Devils parted ways with Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim last week after a disappointing 14-month tenure; under caretaker Darren Fletcher, United drew 2-2 against Burnley in the Premier League and lost 1-2 to Brighton in the FA Cup third round on Wednesday.

Early exits from domestic cups and absence from European competition limit United to just 40 matches this season—the fewest since 1914-15. The 20-time English champions sit seventh in the Premier League, three points shy of the top four and one point behind fifth-placed Brentford. Carrick's first match in charge could come Saturday when United host local rivals Manchester City.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar