Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as their new head coach until the end of the season, while also clarifying Darren Fletcher’s role following a brief spell in interim charge.
Fletcher stepped up to lead the first team after the departure of Ruben Amorim last week, overseeing two matches during a period of transition. His short tenure included a 2–2 Premier League draw away at Burnley and a 2–1 home defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup third round.
With Carrick now formally in place, the club has confirmed that Fletcher will return to his role as Under-18s lead coach. Reports had suggested Fletcher was offered a position within Carrick’s senior coaching staff at Old Trafford, but he is understood to have declined in order to continue his work within the academy.
Fletcher only took on the Under-18s role last summer, adding it to a range of positions he has held since retiring as a player. His work at United has spanned youth coaching, first-team duties and a period as technical director, reflecting his long-standing involvement across the club’s football structure.
As a player, Fletcher made more than 340 appearances for United over a 13-year spell after coming through the academy. He won five Premier League titles and the Champions League alongside Carrick under Sir Alex Ferguson, forming part of one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.
In a statement announcing Carrick’s appointment, Manchester United thanked Fletcher for stepping in during a difficult moment and confirmed he will continue in his current academy role.
“The club would like to place on record its gratitude to Darren Fletcher for his leadership during the last week,” the statement said.
Carrick now takes over first-team responsibilities with immediate effect, while Fletcher’s return to the academy underlines United’s focus on stability and long-term player development as the season continues.
