Man United interim coach Michael Carrick is expected to be recommended to minority owner Jim Ratcliffe as the club’s permanent manager following an impressive run as caretaker coach.
As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, senior club executives, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, are understood to have concluded that Carrick is the preferred candidate to replace Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed in January after a difficult spell in charge.
According to reports first published by The Athletic, United are now preparing to present Carrick as their preferred option to Ratcliffe this week. If approved, formal talks are expected to begin before an official announcement is made.
Carrick has overseen a dramatic turnaround in results since taking temporary charge on January 13. Under the 44-year-old, United have won 10 of their 15 matches, losing only twice, and climbed from seventh to third in the Premier League standings to secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
No club has collected more Premier League points than United during Carrick’s tenure, with major victories recorded against rivals including Manchester City and Arsenal FC.
Carrick had earlier stressed the importance of stability and long-term planning during his spell in charge.
“We have to look at the bigger picture and keep building every day,” he said during one of his recent press conferences.
“The focus is always on improving the players, improving the team and making sure the club moves in the right direction,” he stressed.
The former midfielder, who also briefly managed the club on an interim basis following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure in 2021, has reportedly impressed club officials not only with results on the pitch but also with his work behind the scenes.
He has been praised internally for his commitment to youth development and involvement in recruitment discussions as the club seeks long-term stability after a turbulent period under Amorim.
United had considered several other candidates for the role, but alternatives, including Thomas Tuchel and Luis Enrique, are understood to have remained committed to their current positions.
Carrick’s side will complete the 2025–26 campaign with matches against Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion later this month, as expectations continue to grow that he could soon be confirmed as the club’s permanent manager.
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