Manchester United senior executives are expected to recommend a candidate to Sir Jim Ratcliffe for the club’s permanent managerial role.
The move follows internal discussions that have been ongoing since Ruben Amorim was sacked in January, with the club initially planning to delay a final decision until the end of the season.
44-year-old Michael Carrick has emerged as the leading figure in the process after a strong spell as caretaker head coach.
As first reported by The Athletic, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are believed to have concluded he is the right option and are set to present their recommendation to Ratcliffe this week.
ALSO READ: I’m not chasing decision on Man United future – Carrick
If Ratcliffe approves the proposal, United will move into formal negotiations before confirming the next permanent appointment.
Carrick’s interim spell has delivered 10 wins in 15 matches, with only two defeats, lifting United from seventh to third in the Premier League table and securing Champions League qualification.
The team has also collected 33 points since his appointment on 13 January, the highest total in the league over that period.
During his early run in charge, Carrick guided United to wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, winning his first four matches before a seven-game unbeaten run was ended in March.
Key victories over Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool later helped secure a return to European football’s top competition.
The club’s decision comes after a turbulent period that followed Amorim’s dismissal, with results and tactical disagreements contributing to instability in the final months of his 14-month spell.
Carrick, who previously served as interim manager after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s exit in 2021, has since earned internal praise for stabilising performances and improving the team’s structure.
He has also been credited for his approach to youth development and involvement in recruitment discussions during his time in charge.
Several players have reportedly supported his case for a permanent role, while the club has also considered other candidates.
However, alternatives such as England boss Thomas Tuchel have opted to remain in their current roles, while Luis Enrique is still committed to PSG.
United conclude their 2025-26 campaign with fixtures against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Sunday, 17 May and a final-day trip to Brighton on 24 May.
(BBC)
