The "Carrick Effect" is officially award-winning. On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Premier League confirmed that Manchester United’s interim head coach, Michael Carrick, has been named the Barclays Manager of the Month for January.
In a month where he took charge of just two league matches, Carrick achieved what many thought impossible: toppling the division's top two teams back-to-back and breathing life into a season that seemed dead under the previous regime.
January: Two Games, Two Giants Slain
Carrick’s nomination was unique—while other managers oversaw four or five games, his impact in just 180 minutes was undeniable.
Match,Result,Key Highlight
vs Man City (H),2–0 Win
vs Arsenal (A),3–2 Win
The Turnaround: Before Carrick’s arrival, United had drawn three games on the bounce. In January, they took 6 points from 6 against the most formidable opposition in the league.
The Tactics: Moving away from the rigid systems of the past, Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 has unlocked the potential of players like Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha, returning United to a brand of "fast, attacking football."
The Stats Behind the Award 📊
Win Rate: 100% (January PL fixtures)
Goals Scored: 5
Clean Sheets: 1 (in the Manchester Derby)
League Climb: Lifted United from the fringes of the European spots firmly into 4th place.
Michael Carrick: "This award is a testament to the players and the staff at Carrington. To come in during a difficult moment and see the response from the group has been the most pleasing part. We’ve set a standard now, and the challenge is to maintain it."
The Verdict: Michael Carrick has done more in a month than most managers do in a season. By defeating Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta in his first two weeks, he didn't just win an award—he won the fans. With the team currently enjoying a two-week break before facing Everton, the "Carrick for Permanent Boss" noise is only going to get louder.