Manchester United’s leading decision-makers are expected to advise Sir Jim Ratcliffe to appoint Michael Carrick as the club’s permanent manager following his strong run as interim head coach. The former United midfielder, aged 44, has emerged as the preferred candidate after steering the team into next season’s Champions League places during an impressive temporary tenure.
Manchester United’s leading decision-makers are expected to advise Sir Jim Ratcliffe to appoint Michael Carrick as the club’s permanent manager following his strong run as interim head coach. The former United midfielder, aged 44, has emerged as the preferred candidate after steering the team into next season’s Champions League places during an impressive temporary tenure.
The club had originally planned to wait until the campaign concluded before deciding who should replace Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed in January. However, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are now believed to have settled on Carrick as their chosen option and are expected to present that view to Ratcliffe this week.
If Ratcliffe, the club’s minority shareholder, approves the proposal, United will move forward with official discussions before confirming Carrick’s position.
Since taking over on 13 January, Carrick has overseen a major turnaround in fortunes. United has collected 33 Premier League points during his 15 matches in charge, more than any other side in the division over that period.
He has delivered 10 victories and suffered only two defeats, lifting the club from seventh place to third and securing a return to Europe’s top competition. His reign began with four consecutive wins, including notable triumphs against title challengers Manchester City and Arsenal.
Although a seven-match unbeaten sequence came to an end in March, further crucial successes against Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Liverpool played a major role in ensuring Champions League qualification.
Carrick inherited a team struggling for direction after Amorim’s departure. The Portuguese coach was removed after poor performances and growing tensions with club officials, with disagreements over tactical choices and formation contributing to the breakdown in relations.
In contrast, Carrick has brought calm and structure both on the field and behind the scenes. This is not his first experience in the role, having also stepped in for three matches after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s exit in 2021, but his latest spell has made a far greater impact.
His work internally has also drawn praise, particularly his dedication to the club’s youth pathway and his broader involvement in long-term planning, including recruitment discussions.
Carrick has consistently emphasised the importance of building for the future, a message that has resonated within the club. Several Manchester United players have also publicly supported his candidacy for the full-time position.
While other managerial possibilities were explored, some potential targets — including England manager Thomas Tuchel — have chosen to remain in their current roles, while Luis Enrique is staying with Paris Saint-Germain.
United’s season will finish with matches against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on 17 May and Brighton on 24 May, with Carrick’s future potentially close to being resolved before or shortly after those fixtures.
