Manchester United assistant coach Steve Holland has been hailed as a “genius” who has played a crucial role in helping Michael Carrick stabilise the team at Old Trafford, according to a former colleague.

At 56, Holland is regarded across football as a top-tier coach known for his precision, discipline, and uncompromising professionalism. His coaching pedigree includes a successful stint with the England national team, where he served as Sir Gareth Southgate’s deputy during the Three Lions’ renaissance over the past eight years — reaching two major finals and achieving the best tournament win ratio in England’s history.

Before his national team tenure, Holland enjoyed a decorated career at Chelsea, working under managers such as Jose Mourinho, Rafael Benitez, Roberto Di Matteo, and Antonio Conte. During that period, he collected every major trophy available at club level.

When Holland departed Stamford Bridge to join the England setup, Antonio Conte expressed his disappointment, saying, “It’s a pity to lose him, I must be honest. He was helping me a lot.”

Despite his impressive résumé, the Stockport-born coach — a lifelong Manchester United supporter — has “deliberately avoided the spotlight” throughout his career, according to the Manchester Evening News.

There are reportedly “only a handful of interviews” with Holland available online, as he prefers to let his coaching do the talking. Those who have worked closely with him, however, are unanimous in their praise of his ability and the significance of his presence alongside a young manager like Carrick.

In an exclusive interview with the Manchester Evening News, Allan Russell — a coach who worked with Holland for four years in the England setup — described him as a “genius.”

“He has an aura about him,” Russell explained. “You know he could cut you down, and that’s not because he’s unpleasant — it’s because he doesn’t tolerate any nonsense. He is a genius. The way I work and coach now, 75 per cent of it is because of Steve Holland.”

Russell elaborated further: “The way he plans sessions, delivers them, and conducts debriefs; his communication with staff and players — all of it is first-class. Michael Carrick is very fortunate; he made a brilliant choice with Steve.”

He added, “Steve’s loyalty and professionalism are unmatched. His attention to detail is incredible. I remember when I first joined England, I watched him on the training pitch and thought, ‘How does this guy remember every single detail?’.”

Carrick himself has echoed these sentiments, calling Holland a “very wise man.” Sporting director Jason Wilcox is also being credited for appointing such an experienced figure to guide Carrick as he builds his managerial identity. Senior players including Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Casemiro, and Harry Maguire have all expressed admiration for Holland’s influence, both on and off the pitch.

Maguire has praised Holland for reinforcing the “basics” at Carrington, while Mount — who previously worked with him at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground — described him as having a “brilliant football brain” and being a “special person” with immense experience at the top level.

Although Carrick has rightly received widespread acclaim for transforming United’s fortunes over the past five months — lifting the club from a difficult winter to securing Champions League qualification by spring — Holland’s steady hand has been instrumental throughout the process.

Manchester United recently confirmed that Carrick will continue as manager under a new two-year contract. Significantly, Holland has also signed a matching two-year deal, ensuring stability and continuity at Old Trafford — two qualities the club has desperately needed in recent years.