Club had considered other candidates but do not see a stronger option than Carrick
Michael Carrick is set to be offered the permanent Manchester United head coach role after the club’s football leadership backed him ahead of an executive committee meeting this week.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox believe Carrick should lead the club into next season and are prepared to recommend his appointment to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has to give his approval.
If Ratcliffe confirms the choice of Carrick for the role, United will then begin discussions with the 44-year-old over a permanent deal. The interim coach has already been involved in meetings at Carrington to plan transfers. Most players and staff also believe that he will keep the role.
The club had considered other candidates but do not see a stronger option than Carrick. Executives initially wanted to wait until the end of the season before deciding on the position, but securing Champions League qualification accelerated the process.
United have all but secured third place as well with two games left to play, so the club see this as an excellent window to make plans for next season. Announcement of Carrick will ensure clarity heading into the close season, and players who will be contacted for transfers would also love to know who their manager would be.
Carrick’s impact since taking over in January has strengthened his case. He replaced Ruben Amorim after a brief interim spell under Darren Fletcher, taking United from seventh to third place in the Premier League.
He has also beaten all of United’s rivals at the top end of the table since his arrival, including the two title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal.
