Manchester United plan to begin formal talks with interim head coach Michael Carrick about making his position permanent before the season finishes.
Discussions are expected to start ahead of United’s final Premier League game at Brighton on May 24. While the club has kept an open mind and spoken to representatives of other candidates, the hierarchy has decided to approach Carrick first.
Carrick has been the leading internal candidate for some time. In 15 matches in charge he has recorded 10 wins and three draws, guided the team into next season’s Champions League and helped deliver a run of results that has restored momentum at Old Trafford — a performance United estimate could boost revenues by around £100m thanks to European qualification.
Although United have maintained a rigorous recruitment process rather than simply installing an interim boss permanently, sources say there has been steady dialogue between Carrick and the board. Formal contract negotiations have not yet begun but are expected within days, and both sides are thought unlikely to face major legal obstacles to reaching an agreement.
Former United defender Gary Neville said Carrick has “put himself in pole position” after recent results, and argued the club needs stability. Neville acknowledged questions remain about long-term experience at the top European level and suggested a one‑ or two‑year deal could be sensible if the club wanted to manage risk while continuing the search for a proven, title-winning manager.
Carrick has won broad backing inside the dressing room. Players including Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Matheus Cunha and outgoing midfielder Casemiro have publicly praised his man‑management, the unity he has fostered and the changes in team spirit since his appointment. Diallo said the squad would be happy for Carrick to remain, highlighting the relationship between coach and players as a key factor.
Sky Sports reporters note United also explored external names — with links at various times to Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique — but many of those options have narrowed: Tuchel and Ancelotti have renewed commitments elsewhere and Enrique is expected to stay at PSG, leaving fewer realistic alternatives.
Analysis is mixed over whether Carrick is the long‑term answer. Supporters point to the immediate turnaround, popular buy‑in and a return to Champions League football. Critics warn that short‑term form doesn’t guarantee sustained success over a 55–60 game season with European commitments and that the club should weigh experience managing at the very highest level.
Club insiders and pundits expect talks to progress quickly and say an announcement on Carrick’s future could come before the end of the campaign. The decision will balance the stability and cohesion Carrick has brought with the ambition to appoint a manager capable of delivering long‑term silverware and consistent top‑level performance.