The future of interim head coach Michael Carrick has become the central talking point in English football following his selection as the Premier League Manager of the Month for January 2026. This accolade follows a flawless month for Manchester United, characterized by an unbeaten run and high-profile victories that have revitalized the club’s season.
An “Officially Amazing” January Run
Under Carrick’s steady leadership, the Red Devils navigated the month of January without a single defeat. The period was defined by tactical discipline and a significant “upturn in form” that saw United secure vital points to climb the Premier League table.
Key results included:
- The Etihad Derby: A statement victory against Manchester City.
- The Emirates Classic: A historic 3–2 win over Arsenal—the club’s first at that stadium since 2017.
Historical Milestone for Interim Bosses
Carrick’s win is a rare feat in Premier League history. He is now one of only seven managers to win the award while serving in an interim or temporary capacity. Notably, he is the first Manchester United interim boss to earn the trophy since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in January 2019.
Other interim managers to achieve this include:
- Darren Moore (West Brom, 2018)
- Mike Jackson (Burnley, 2022)
- Rafael Benitez (Chelsea, 2013)
- Phil Thompson (Liverpool, 2001 & 2002)
Additionally, Carrick is the first English manager to win the award since Sean Dyche did so with Everton in April 2024.
The Selection Process
Carrick emerged as the winner from a competitive four-man shortlist that included:
- Sean Dyche (Nottingham Forest)
- Andoni Iraola (AFC Bournemouth)
- Liam Rosenior (Chelsea)
The final decision was reached by combining public fan votes with the assessments of a panel of football experts.
Carrick’s Stance: “Focus on the Present”
Despite the mounting pressure from fans and pundits to make his appointment permanent, Carrick has remained steadfastly focused on the immediate task.
“I am enjoying it… it’s a fantastic position to be in,” Carrick stated following the Arsenal win. However, he has consistently shut down speculation regarding his long-term job security, insisting that he will not engage in weekly contract discussions.
Future Outlook
The Manager of the Month award has significantly strengthened Carrick’s position in the eyes of the United hierarchy. While the fanbase remains divided—some calling for a world-class summer appointment and others advocating for “The Carrick Way”—his ability to deliver results against top-tier opposition has made him the undisputed favorite to stabilize the club for the foreseeable future.
Source: Premier League
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