Manchester United have begun negotiations with Michael Carrick over extending his stay as head coach beyond the end of the season.
Club chiefs, including director of football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada, are understood to be increasingly confident Carrick should remain in charge after an encouraging interim spell. While legal and contractual details still need ironing out, sources say an agreement could be reached before United’s match against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Carrick has overseen a dramatic upturn in form since taking the reins. In 15 matches he has recorded 10 wins and three draws, steering United back into the Champions League and delivering notable victories over Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. Securing a top-four finish also carries a significant financial upside, with Champions League qualification expected to boost revenue.
Those results, combined with Carrick’s standing inside the club, have strengthened his case. United’s hierarchy are said to value his rapport with the dressing room, his media handling, his grasp of the club’s history and identity, and — importantly — the on-field improvement he has achieved.
Carrick himself has hinted that a decision is imminent. Speaking at a press conference, he said the club’s plans for his future would be settled “pretty soon” and confirmed he will address supporters at Old Trafford after the final home game, a long-standing tradition he intends to continue.
Players and staff have publicly backed Carrick. Amad Diallo said the squad would be happy to see him stay, praising his relationships with players and the positive atmosphere in the dressing room. Kobbie Mainoo, who has flourished under Carrick, described the team’s commitment to the coach after the 3-2 win over Liverpool. Matheus Cunha and departing midfielder Casemiro have also spoken in support of him.
Pundits and club figures are divided on whether Carrick should be given the permanent job but many acknowledge he has put himself in pole position. Gary Neville commended what Carrick has achieved and suggested a short-term contract could be a sensible compromise while questioning whether a manager with more experience of sustained success at elite level would eventually be preferable. Sky Sports correspondents have reported that other high-profile names were considered — Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique — but several options appear to have narrowed as those coaches extended or look set to extend commitments elsewhere.
United’s owners and decision-makers must weigh the appeal of continuity and the clear buy-in from players against the long-term demands of managing a club of Manchester United’s scale. Supporters have reacted with a mix of enthusiasm and caution: some argue that bringing in an external, proven elite manager would better guarantee sustained success, while others point to the immediate momentum Carrick has delivered and the risk of disrupting a harmonious dressing room.
Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports noted that Carrick was the frontrunner and had “earned the right” with his short-term record, while other analysts urged consideration of the challenge next season will bring, including a heavier fixture list with Champions League football. Will Bitibiri highlighted the emotional connection Carrick has rekindled with fans but warned that the transition from interim positive form to long-term achievement is a different test.
If an announcement comes before the end of the season, it would mark a rapid elevation from interim boss to permanent head coach, reflecting how Carrick has stabilised results and galvanised the squad. Whatever the final decision, Carrick has said he will thank the supporters in person at Old Trafford and hopes the closeout of the season will clarify his future.
Fans and pundits will be watching closely as discussions continue; the club must now decide whether to reward the immediate turnaround and continuity Carrick represents, or pursue an experienced external candidate to lead the next phase of Manchester United’s project.