Caretaker’s strong run has put him in pole position but club remain committed to thorough hiring process
Michael Carrick has emerged as the leading candidate to take charge of Manchester United next season, with even pundit and Liverpool fan Jamie Carragher backing him for the job.
However, the club will not abandon their search for a permanent head coach and are determined to assess all available options between now and the summer.
Carrick has strengthened his case since taking charge in January by winning nine of his 13 matches and guiding United to the verge of Champions League qualification. The team now require just two more points to secure a place, with a decisive fixture against Liverpool at Old Trafford approaching.
Club officials appreciate the strong run of results and what they mean but they are committed to conducting a full recruitment process before making a final decision. The agents of several potential candidates have already made informal contact to understand United’s long-term plans.
Among those is Andoni Iraola, who has announced he will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season. Iraola is highly regarded in the Premier League due to his experience of the league, playing philosophy, and ability to operate within a structured management system. He has also attracted interest from Chelsea following the recent changes that saw Liam Rosenior leave Stamford Bridge after just 107 days.
However, United have deliberately limited formal discussions with candidates to avoid disrupting the mood at the club during a critical stage of the season.
Carrick, who will step down from his interim position in the summer, has already been involved in planning for recruitment. He has been kept informed on contract developments for key players, including Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo, who have recently signed contract extensions.
A further factor in the decision-making process is whether assistant coach Steve Holland will remain at the club. Holland joined United’s coaching staff when Carrick came in January and he has been credited with improvements in team training. United are expected to make a final decision within a month after the end of the season.
