Carrick's disappointment after Manchester United lost to 10-man Newcastle in the Premier League, ending hopes of progression.
On 5 Mar 2026 GMT+7, following the 29th matchday of the 2025-26 English Premier League season, Manchester United under interim manager Michael Carrick saw their unbeaten streak end in his eighth game in charge, losing 1-2 away to Newcastle United, who played with 10 men.
Manchester United appointed Michael Carrick as interim manager until the end of the season on 13 Jan 2026 GMT+7, after sacking Rúben Amorim due to disagreements with club executives. Carrick led the team to six wins and one draw before suffering his first defeat against Newcastle.
Including Carrick's earlier stint as caretaker manager for three matches in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjær's dismissal (2 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses), his unbeaten run at the start of his managerial spells now totals 10 matches (8 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss).
This means Michael Carrick missed breaking the club record of 11 unbeaten matches at the start of a managerial tenure, set by Ole Gunnar Solskjær when he took over from José Mourinho at the end of 2018. Solskjær was later given a permanent contract.
11 matches – Ole Gunnar Solskjær (2018-2019)
10 matches – Herbert Bamlett (1927), Michael Carrick (2021 and 2026)
Currently, Manchester United face a tough fight in the final stretch, with only a 3-point gap separating the four teams competing for UEFA Champions League qualification: Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Man United. If Michael Carrick succeeds in securing a Champions League spot, he could earn a permanent managerial contract.
3rd place: Manchester United – 51 points (goal difference +11)
4th place: Aston Villa – 51 points (+5)
5th place: Chelsea – 48 points (+19)
6th place: Liverpool – 48 points (+9)
