- Steve Holland staying at Man Utd
- Ex-England assistant will continue with Michael Carrick
- Holland is Carrick’s ‘wise man’
Michael Carrick will become Manchester United‘s permanent head coach, and fortunately, Steve Holland will continue as his assistant manager. The club are expected to make an announcement in the near future.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Holland, along with Carrick, has signed a new contract with United. The former England assistant coach is viewed as a “crucial figure” in the current backroom team.
Holland has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with the option of a further year. That’s the same contract length Carrick has agreed to.
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Steve Holland stays at Man Utd
Holland is a boyhood United fan whose dream of coaching the club came to reality in January. He joined Carrick’s backroom staff after INEOS opted to turn to the legendary former midfielder.
The 56-year-old hadn’t been part of Carrick’s coaching team during his time in charge of EFL Championship outfit Middlesbrough. He instead spent years assisting Gareth Southgate and helping England reach two European Championship finals.
After United beat Manchester City 2-0 in Carrick’s first game, it was clear that Holland had an influence. He focused on the defensive structure and used his years of experience to lend a helping hand to the interim coach.
Holland has previous Premier League experience, having been the right-hand man to Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink at Chelsea. He was part of the most successful era in the Blues’ history, in which they won two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Carrick’s appointment is an exciting one for United fans as they dream of the club legend guiding the team back to its glory days. But he’ll need help along the way and a proven winner like Holland is a vital voice on the training pitch and on the touchline.
“Very wise” – Carrick on Holland
Carrick’s brother, Graeme, is largely the reason why Holland is currently the assistant coach at United. He put the pair in touch with one another when the Red Devils legend replaced Ruben Amorim in January.
There were one or two fans who questioned the decision because of his ties to Chelsea and the divisive view of Southgate’s tenure with England. But it’s proven to be a masterstroke from the club.
Carrick has explained what Holland brings to his coaching team:
“He is a very wise man, Steve, and says things that really are important at the right time. And I think just general calmness and composure around and for everyone, for me and for my staff and for the players as well.”
He added:
“I think all the staff, the dynamics of bringing something a little bit different. Steve obviously is in that role where he’s got the experience for us to lean on and there’s absolutely no shame in that at all.”
United will play in the UEFA Champions League next season after securing a third-place finish this term. Carrick and Holland’s impact is undeniable, overseeing 11 wins and two defeats in 16 games.
