Despite a promising start as interim manager, Carrick may not be offered the job permanently due to the club’s past mistakes.

Michael Carrick made an immediate impact upon his return to Old Trafford. As interim head coach, he led Manchester United to two impressive victories over Manchester City and Arsenal. Yet despite this strong start, his chances of staying in the role long-term appear slim.

A former assistant under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Carrick returned in January 2026 on a short-term contract after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. However, according to United legend Paul Scholes, the club is still "scarred" by Solskjaer’s failed tenure, which began similarly with a successful interim period. Scholes believes this caution will weigh heavily on the club’s decision—especially with names like Thomas Tuchel being considered to take over in the summer.

Nicky Butt, another former United midfielder, echoed this view. He believes Carrick is smart enough to understand he wasn’t brought in to stay. His role, Butt says, is simply to stabilize the team and prepare it for the next full-time manager.

Given the circumstances, Scholes floated the idea that Carrick might instead end up at another former club: Tottenham Hotspur. Carrick played for Spurs before joining United in 2006, and with Tottenham struggling under Thomas Frank—currently 14th in the Premier League—the North London side could be seeking a new direction.

Carrick’s time at United, however successful, may ultimately serve as a stepping stone to another Premier League job.

Sources:

• Manchester Evening News, Dan Marsh & Josh Holland, January 27, 2026

• The Good, The Bad and The Football Podcast

• BBC Sport (Premier League context)