(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Tue 17 March 2026 8:00, UK

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Michael Carrick remains the strong favourite to become the next permanent Manchester United manager after yet another win for his side.

Man United beat Aston Villa 3-1 at Old Trafford, meaning the interim boss has now won seven of his nine games in charge in a major turnaround for their season.

However, Roy Keane was speaking after the game and dismissed the idea that the interim boss should land the full-time role, insisting there are better options available.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who worked closely with Keane at Sunderland, told Football Insider that Carrick is still the outstanding candidate.

Despite United assessing multiple managerial options ahead of what is set to be a busy summer, the interim boss has placed himself in a strong position.

Michael Carrick closing in on Man United job

Brown told Football Insider on 12 March that Carrick is edging closer to the Man United job and remains the strong favourite for the role.

Despite criticism and suggestions against his bid from the likes of Keane and Paul Scholes in recent weeks, the club have been impressed by his management.

“I listened to what Roy Keane was saying after the Aston Villa game,” Brown told Football Insider.

“I found it very strange, I don’t often disagree with Roy but I disagree with him on this, he was saying there are plenty of better options than Carrick.

“Well if that was the case, who are they? I don’t think there’s a manager out there, who is going to be available, and would be enough to oust Carrick.

“He’s done everything asked of him, he’s turned results around including his first two games against Arsenal and Man City, and he’s won seven of nine in charge.

“The players clearly like him, I’m told the club have been impressed by what they’ve seen, so as far as I’m concerned, Carrick is still the clear front runner.

“They’re well in contention for a Champions League place, and if they’re still there come the end of the season, I’m sure he will be the one to get the job.”

Who else is in the running for the Man United job?

While Carrick remains the leading contender for the job at Old Trafford, a number of other bosses have been tipped for the role, including Julian Nagelsmann.

Football Insider revealed on 14 March that Nagelsmann is open to the Man United job and would be interested in stepping in after the World Cup.

He is under contract with the German FA until 2028, but a close relationship with Christopher Vivell could play a role in luring him to the Premier League.

However, there are doubts about whether United would be prepared to wait until after the World Cup to announce their next manager.

They are keen to have somebody in ahead of pre-season to ensure they are given maximum time to get their ideas across and work with the squad.