Michael Carrick’s backroom team of Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, Travis Binnion and Craig Mawson have all been handed new contracts to remain in their respective positions at Manchester United on a permanent basis. Carrick has been backed by Holland (assistant manager), Woodgate (first-team coach), Evans (first-team coach), Binnion (first-team coach) and Mawson (goalkeeper coach) since his arrival on an interim basis.
When Carrick collected the Premier League’s manager of the month award in January, he paid tribute to his backroom team, alongside the players, for their contribution to United’s run of excellent results. The club are convinced Carrick’s backroom staff possess a formidable combination of skillsets and personalities, with those who have witnessed their coaching at Carrington commenting on the excellent dynamic between them.
It’s understood Holland has proved highly influential as Carrick’s assistant. The duo have been seen in constant dialogue on the touchline during matches, with Carrick recently describing his number two as a “very wise man.”
Holland served as Gareth Southgate’s assistant manager throughout his spell as England boss, guiding the Three Lions to third place at the 2018 World Cup and runners-up spots in consecutive European Championships.
Before his stint with England, Holland accumulated several years at Chelsea, assisting the likes of Jose Mourinho, Rafael Benitez, Roberto Di Matteo and Antonio Conte.
Holland and Woodgate have been actively involved alongside Carrick throughout training sessions. Woodgate’s fluency in Spanish has enabled him to establish rapport with Spanish-speaking members of the squad.
Woodgate, Evans and Binnion have all undertaken individual coaching responsibilities with United’s players. Woodgate and Evans have concentrated on the defensive unit, while Binnion has made progress with the attacking players.
Binnion previously held the Under-21 manager position, but he was elevated to assist the first-team when Darren Fletcher served as caretaker boss. Binnion’s official designation in the academy was ‘head of player development and coaching’ prior to his advancement.
The 39-year-old has long served as a bridge between the first-team and the academy, recommending which players are prepared to take part in senior training sessions, but his responsibilities have expanded over recent months.