Sun Jan 25 17:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Manchester United and the Perils of Promoting the Interim Manager: History Offers a Cautionary Tale

The Story:

The article explores the historical trend of Premier League clubs appointing caretaker managers to permanent positions, specifically in the context of Michael Carrick potentially succeeding as Manchester United’s head coach. While acknowledging the initial enthusiasm following a positive performance, the piece cautions against repeating past mistakes, citing the relatively poor track record of interim managers who were subsequently given the full-time job. The author raises the fundamental question of whether promoting the caretaker is genuinely less of a risk than hiring a new manager.

Key Points:

  • Of the 21 instances in the Premier League era where caretaker managers were appointed permanently, only four demonstrated a better points-per-game record after the permanent appointment.
  • Only eight of those 21 managers lasted a full season (38 games or more) after being appointed permanently.
  • The article references examples such as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Craig Shakespeare, and Glenn Roeder to illustrate the potential pitfalls of promoting an interim manager.
  • The “new-manager bounce” is cited as a possible explanation for initial success, which may not be sustainable in the long term.
  • The piece highlights the limited sample size on which these appointments are often based, making it difficult to reliably judge the manager’s true capabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Premier League history suggests that promoting caretaker managers to permanent roles often doesn’t lead to sustained success.
  • The initial positive impact of a caretaker manager can be misleading, influenced by a “new-manager bounce” and the emotional boost for players.
  • Clubs should exercise caution and avoid sentimentality when considering appointing an interim manager permanently.
  • A thorough assessment of the manager’s long-term suitability and strategic vision is crucial before making a permanent appointment.
  • The article encourages Manchester United to learn from past mistakes and conduct a rational, data-driven decision-making process.

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