New Delhi: Manchester United’s interim boss, Michael Carrick, has won January’s Premier League manager of the month award for the first time after a sensational return to the club. After taking over the managerial duties from Ruben Amorim, Carrick guided the Red Devils to brilliant wins against the top two sides of the league.

He started his temporary tenure at Old Trafford with a stunning 2-0 derby victory against Manchester City, and then defeated Arsenal 3-2 at The Emirates, inflicting a first home league defeat of the season on the Gunners. He also became the first United manager since Jose Mourinho to win a Premier League away game against Arsenal, ending a drought that extended back to 2017.

“It’s nice and it shows that we’ve had a very good start, you know, but let’s be honest, it’s not just about me really,” Carrick said on the Manchester United website.

“I think it’s about everyone, you know: it’s about the staff, the coaching staff, the backroom staff, the players definitely. It shows that we’ve had a good start, which is very pleasing,” he continued.

Carrick beat Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Chelsea’s Liam Rosenior and Nottingham Forest’s Sean Dyche, who has been sacked by the club, to win the award.

“The boys have been good. It’s not easy with change and to click into gear and to perform the way they have done in different types of games has probably been as pleasing as anything,” Carrick added.

2025/26 Manager of the Month winners

August: Arne Slot – Liverpool
September: Oliver Glasner – Crystal Palace
October: Ruben Amorim – Manchester United
November: Enzo Maresca – Chelsea
December: Unai Emery – Aston Villa
January: Michael Carrick – Manchester United

Manchester United likely to appoint new manager in summer

Despite the brilliant results, Manchester United likely to appoint a new manager in the summer. Carrick has done exceptionally well in his short stint, putting the Red Devils in a strong position to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

He was named as the head coach until the end of the season, allowing CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox some time to find the ideal candidate to take over from Carrick in the summer.