Planet Football compared Michael Carrick's start as permanent Manchester United manager with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's start after he also moved from an interim role into the job. The comparison focused on results before and after each man signed a full contract.
Carrick's interim run and appointment
Carrick was appointed as interim manager in January following Ruben Amorim’s departure. His interim spell brought 11 wins, three draws and two defeats from 16 games, and those results helped Manchester United qualify for the Champions League.
Carrick was then appointed as the permanent head coach on a two-year contract. “Michael has thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue leading our men’s team,” Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, said in May.
Wilcox also said: “In the time he has been doing the role, we have seen positive results on the pitch, but more than that, an approach which aligns with the club’s values, traditions and history.”
Results after the permanent deal
Carrick's first game as permanent manager was a 3-0 win away at Brighton on the final day of the 2025/26 season. Manchester United have picked up just seven points from their opening seven Premier League games, lost two of their three games in the Champions League, and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup following a 3-2 defeat at home to Brighton.
Planet Football said both Carrick and Solskjaer saw Manchester United's win rate drop after signing a permanent contract.
Solskjaer's start in the role
Solskjaer was appointed on an initial interim basis, replacing Jose Mourinho midway through the 2018/19 campaign. He oversaw 14 wins, two draws and three defeats from 19 games in his first three months, then signed a three-year contract in March 2019.
Solskjaer's first game as permanent manager was a 2-1 home win over Watford. Defeats to Wolves, Everton, Manchester City and Cardiff City saw Manchester United finish sixth in 2018/19, and the club lost 4-0 on aggregate to Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Wilcox on Carrick
Wilcox said: “Michael’s achievements in leading the club back to the Champions League should not be understated. He has forged a strong bond with the players and can be proud of the winning culture at Carrington and in the dressing room, which we are continuing to build.”