![\"Michael](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2_Michael-Carrick-File-Photos.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMichael Carrick is set to take charge of Manchester United in Saturday’s Manchester derby with a place in next season’s Champions League still at stake<\/p>\n
13:21, 15 Jan 2026Updated 13:49, 15 Jan 2026<\/p>\n
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Michael Carrick will lead Manchester United until the end of the season (Image: PA)<\/p>\n
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has heaped praise on Michael Carrick’s talent as a midfielder – hinting at how the ex-Reds star could solve a problem area in the club’s first-team squad. Carrick has taken charge as interim head coach until the end of the season<\/a> after Ruben Amorim was sacked last week.<\/p>\n The former Middlesbrough boss won over United<\/a>‘s hierarchy during talks and will be supported by coaches Steve Holland and Travis Binnion at M16. Carrick’s first game will be Saturday afternoon’s Premier League<\/a> Manchester derby against Manchester City<\/a> (12.30pm).<\/p>\n One area in which the Reds have struggled badly with in recent seasons is midfield – a position Carrick knows well from his time at Old Trafford<\/a>. Age appears to have caught up with Casemiro at times while Manuel Ugarte has struggled to adapt to the English top-flight.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo has been linked with a move away from United in recent times<\/a> after struggling for game time under Amorim. That may now change with the arrival of Carrick and Giggs, speaking to BetSelect, has explained why his former team mate was such a good player – hinting how the ex-England international could help to solve the midfield problem.<\/p>\n He said: “[It was] a dream. I played the majority of my games in midfield with Michael, and he just made it so much easier.<\/p>\n “And that’s why I still played for United until 40. I had brilliant players around me, which made it easy.<\/p>\n “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the quality that I had, and Michael was a big part of that.\u201d<\/p>\n Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick played under Ryan Giggs when the former winger was a coach(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)<\/p>\n Despite the challenges he faces at United, the new temporary boss will be aware that there’s still much at stake with a potential top four or five finish and a chance to compete in next season’s Champions League<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Reds may sit seventh in the Premier League<\/a> table, but they only sit three points off fourth, which would guarantee a place in Europe’s elite competition and a much-needed financial boost.<\/p>\n Carrick will, though, have to navigate a tricky couple of fixtures across his first few games with title challengers City<\/a> and Arsenal to come over the next few weeks.<\/p>\n Speaking to United’s official website after news of his appointment was confirmed, he said: “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United<\/a> is an honour.<\/p>\n \u201cI know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing.<\/p>\n \u201cI have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years, I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves.\u201d<\/p>\n Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> \u00a349<\/p>\n \u00a335<\/p>\n Sky<\/p>\n![\"Michael](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_GettyImages-533280344.jpg\")
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