Michael Carrick has returned to Manchester United as head coach for the remainder of the season following Ruben Amorim’s sacking, and has given his first interview since being appointed
Michael Carrick has described his return to Manchester United as an “unbelievable feeling”. The club announced Carrick’s appointment as manager for the rest of the season on Tuesday night.
Carrick had been out of work since being sacked by Middlesbrough in June last year. He led Boro to the Championship play-offs in an impressive debut campaign at the Riverside Stadium, but was axed after two underwhelming seasons that saw them finish eighth and 10th respectively.
The 44-year-old won over Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada during the recruitment process to rejoin United, and will take charge for the remainder of the season following Ruben Amorim’s departure.
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Speaking to club media on Tuesday, Carrick opened up about his emotions. “It’s an unbelievable feeling to come back through the doors, really, and be part of the club again,” he said.
“You know, it’s been part of my life for so long. The fact that I left the club for a number of years recently has never really left me, you know. I’m quickly focused on doing the job.
“It’s a big responsibility, a massive pleasure and a privilege to be here, but we want to do a good job and this place deserves that. So massively, massively focused to get started and get going.”
Carrington has undergone renovations since Carrick’s last visit to the training ground’s main facility. “I’ve been here a few times for different things, but never in the building. Hugely impressive,” he remarked.
“We want the best in class. We want to be pushing boundaries, pushing limits, and always pushing for more. And certainly pushing building, the set-up, and the layout.
“And I have to say, the atmosphere within the building, it’s hugely positive, really welcoming, being a really good environment to settle into already. Coming into the building… I was feeling calm and composed.
“It felt quite normal for me. That’s not playing it down, it just feels like I’m in a good place with good people who are pulling in the same direction.”
Reflecting on his time away from Old Trafford, Carrick admitted he’s gained invaluable experience since departing United in 2021. He added: “I’ve learned loads. This [United] was all I knew for so long and to go out to Middlesbrough, I learned an awful lot.
“Of course I made mistakes, you have strengths, things I look back on and think I could have done better, that’s life and part of learning and become better. Having a bit of time out as well. I feel in a really good place to be here.”
Carrick will face his first test this weekend when Manchester City visit Old Trafford.
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