Man United next manager: Sources at Old Trafford reveal Michael Carrick latest as alternative still favoured
Man United are eager not to rush into a decision on their next manager, despite calls to appoint Michael Carrick permanently.
Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with West Ham marked a fifth consecutive Premier League game unbeaten since Man United appointed Carrick on an interim basis.
The former midfielder was brought in following Ruben Amorim‘s departure, and his impact has been spectacular.
Man United beat Tottenham 2-0 on Saturday, marking a fourth consecutive game of a winning run that included the beating of the likes of Man City and Arsenal.
But despite clamour for Carrick to be given the full-time job, Man United are keen to wait until the summer to make a decision.
Man United insiders give insight into managerial process
Few would have expected the transformational impact Carrick would have on the Man United squad when he returned in January.
The former midfielder has been out of employment since last summer, when he was dismissed by Middlesbrough.
The 44-year-old had enjoyed a positive stint there, but ultimately was unable to secure promotion from the Championship.
| Michael Carrick | Middlesbrough |
| Wins | 63 |
| Draws | 24 |
| Losses | 49 |
| Scored | 220 |
| Conceded | 177 |
But Man United instantly looked a team reborn in Carrick’s first game in charge, and recent weeks have seen fans dream of a stunning end to the season.
Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that the former England international is still not the favourite to take over permanently at Old Trafford, however.
The process of identifying possible targets has begun, but decision-makers have yet to speak to any candidates and will wait until the end of the season before progressing with an appointment.
Man United are delighted with the job that Carrick is doing, and he will be among the front-runners if he can secure Champions League football.
But chiefs are determined to appoint someone who has the strength of character and experience to deal with everything thrown at the manager at Old Trafford, and that may well go against Carrick.
What Michael Carrick has said about permanent Man United stay
One thing is for certain – if Carrick does not get the Man United job permanently, he will be high up the list for several other Premier League clubs.
The likes of Tottenham and Newcastle United could be in the market for a new figurehead in the summer, and the 44-year-old is an attractive option.
“To be honest, it’s not going to change what I do or how I feel about it,” Carrick said last week when asked about the permanent job at Man United.
“I think I’m fully aware of the role I’m doing here and the responsibility I’ve got. We want to be successful. I want the club to be successful beyond the end of the season: if that’s me, if that’s somebody else.
“At this stage, I can’t control that, and we’ll see what happens.”