Senior figures at Manchester United are preparing to recommend Michael Carrick to minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the club’s next permanent manager following an impressive spell in caretaker charge.
Carrick, 44, has been the leading candidate since steering United back into the Champions League places. The club had planned to wait until the season ended before naming a successor to Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed in January, but the process has accelerated.
As first reported by The Athletic, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox believe Carrick is the right choice and are expected to present their recommendation to Ratcliffe this week. If he approves, formal negotiations will begin.
Carrick’s record has strengthened his case. He has won 10 of his 15 matches in charge and lost only twice, lifting United from seventh to third in the Premier League and securing a return to Europe’s top competition. Since his appointment on 13 January, United have collected 33 league points, more than any other top-flight club in that period.
His tenure began in style with wins over title challengers Manchester City and Arsenal, part of a four-match winning start. A seven-game unbeaten run followed before ending in March, but decisive victories against Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool helped secure Champions League qualification.
United were struggling when Amorim departed after disagreements over tactics and results strained relations with club officials. Carrick, who also took temporary charge after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left in 2021, has restored stability and impressed internally with his work on youth development and long-term planning. Several players have publicly backed his appointment.
Alternative options were explored, but Thomas Tuchel has chosen to remain with England, while Luis Enrique is committed to Paris Saint-Germain.
United conclude the campaign at home to Nottingham Forest on 17 May before a final-day trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on 24 May. A decision on the managerial post could follow soon after.
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