Michael Carrick shortlisted as Premier League’s Manager of the Season
Manchester United’s interim manager Michael Carrick has been recognised for the remarkable turnaround he has overseen at Manchester United since taking charge in January 2026, earning a nomination for the Premier League Manager of the Season accolade, as he nears sealing a permanent deal at Old Trafford.
The former United midfielder has transformed the club’s fortunes, guiding the Red Devils from sixth place to third in the league standings. Under his leadership, the team has collected 10 victories in 15 matches, suffered only two defeats, and accumulated more points than any other side during that stretch.
United’s impressive run
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United’s dramatic 3-2 triumph over Liverpool earlier this month secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League with three fixtures still remaining. Carrick’s side can also guarantee a top-three finish if they avoid defeat against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Supporters now have the opportunity to vote for Carrick in the season award race, with fan selections set to be combined with votes from a panel of football experts.
Carrick had already received recognition earlier in the year after being named Premier League Manager of the Month for January. He began his tenure in impressive style with victories over title contenders Arsenal and Manchester City.
Since then, United have recorded major victories at Old Trafford against fellow top-five rivals Liverpool and Aston Villa. The team also secured an important away win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, ending a poor run at the venue where the club had rarely enjoyed league success in recent years.
Carrick’s influence
Despite only arriving midway through the campaign, Carrick is the only manager on the shortlist who has not been in charge for the entire season, underlining the immediate influence he has had at Old Trafford.
Other nominees include Mikel Arteta for his role in Arsenal’s title challenge, Pep Guardiola for leading Manchester City, alongside Keith Andrews of Brentford, Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth, and Regis Le Bris of Sunderland.
The Premier League Manager of the Season honour was first introduced during the 1993/94 campaign, with legendary former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson becoming its inaugural winner. Ferguson went on to claim the award a record 11 times and remains the last United manager to receive the recognition, doing so in the 2012/13 season.
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes has also been shortlisted for the Premier League Player of the Season award, while Kobbie Mainoo is among the nominees for the Young Player of the Season prize.
