The 44-year-old is in the thick of squad planning, which only raises chances of him landing the job in the summer
Michael Carrick says he is continuing to play a key role in Manchester United’s planning for next season, despite uncertainty over whether he will remain in charge beyond the current campaign.
Carrick, who took over in January following the departure of Ruben Amorim, has helped push United back into contention for a Champions League place. He has also been involved in decisions off the pitch, including the recent one-year contract extension for Harry Maguire, alongside chief executive Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox.
“Certainly, in the role I’m in, there’s decisions that need taking care of,” Carrick said. “I said it as soon as I came here: I’m part of that and whatever that looks like moving forward, I’m part of that.
“I’m trying to improve things and make things better all the time. Certainly there’s conversations in different directions and different things that I’m definitely part of.
“And I think it should be that way anyway, because things need done. So I’m here to take care of that.”
Carrick also addressed team news ahead of Monday’s game against Leeds United, noting there still has to be caution over the fitness of Lisandro Martinez. The defender has returned to training after missing five matches with a calf injury, but Carrick said he will only be selected if fully fit.
“It’s just that call we make,” Carrick said. “We wouldn’t be pushed into anything. It’s important that the boys are ready, as important as the next game always is, the most important is always the bigger picture.
“So, that’s a decision that we’ll take. He’s back training, which is great, and back on the grass, but we’ve certainly got to make the right decision and make sure he’s ready.”
If Martinez is not available, Carrick may have to rely on younger defenders, including Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, with Maguire suspended.
Elsewhere, Patrick Dorgu will miss the match as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. Diogo Dalot is expected to return after illness, while Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a back problem.
“The reason [De Ligt] didn’t come is he’s not quite on the grass,” Carrick said. “Patrick came back because he’s further on, but Matta isn’t quite at this stage yet. So it was important for him to continue his rehab, really, and try and get him back. There’s nothing else around it.”
