Manchester United are poised to appoint interim manager Michael Carrick as the club's permanent boss ahead of next season, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. The decision follows a successful interim spell in which Carrick secured Champions League qualification and oversaw a significant upturn in form. The club is expected to make an official announcement in the coming weeks.
Romano reported that, despite persistent links to other candidates such as Chelsea-linked Andoni Iraola, Carrick has emerged as the overwhelming internal favourite at Old Trafford. The club's hierarchy, impressed by his impact on the squad and the results achieved, now view him as the clear choice for the role on a long-term basis. The confirmation of a top-four finish, sealed with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Liverpool on Sunday, is understood to have been a key factor in accelerating the decision-making process.
Carrick, a former United midfielder and club captain, took temporary charge in January following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. In his 14 matches at the helm, he has guided the team to ten wins, two draws, and only two losses, a run that lifted United from outside the top four to a secure third place in the Premier League. His connection with the playing squad and his understanding of the club's culture have been repeatedly cited as major assets.
When questioned about his future after the Liverpool match, Carrick remained coy, stating the matter was "not in my control" and that he was focused on the team's immediate progress. However, Romano emphasised the strength of Carrick's relationships, noting he has an "excellent relationship with the players, excellent relationship with the board." Should the appointment be finalized, TEAMtalk reports that Carrick intends to bring Bayern Munich assistant Aaron Danks into his coaching setup.
The move represents a shift from United's initial broad search for a new manager and signals a belief in continuity and the project Carrick has begun. It also ends speculation linking the club with a move for Bournemouth's Iraola, who remains a target for Chelsea. For Carrick, a permanent appointment would mark a rapid and remarkable ascent in his managerial career, transitioning from interim to confirmed leader of one of the world's biggest clubs.
