Michael Carrick ‘clear favourite’ to be named permanent Man United manager after win vs Chelsea
Michael Carrick is still the leading contender to become the next Manchester United manager despite some recent doubts, sources have told Football Insider.
The 44-year-old has enjoyed a strong spell as the interim manager at Old Trafford, and a 1-0 win against Chelsea last time out has earned him plenty of plaudits.
The Red Devils remain a comfortable third place in the Premier League table and have put themselves in a terrific position to secure Champions League football next season.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Carrick has been the centre of United’s resurgent and deserves high praise for his work.
Sources say the manager has also got a number of influential players on his side thanks to his man-management skills, as Man United continue to assess the boss’ position.
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Football Insider revealed on 18 April that “alarm bells” were ringing at Man United in the wake of their defeat to Leeds, but immediate concerns have been brushed aside.
When Carrick took over from Ruben Amorim, United were in sixth place, level on points with Chelsea but with just eight wins and five losses after 20 games played.
| Man United 2025-26 | Ruben Amorim | Micheal Carrick |
| Games | 20 | 12 |
| Wins | 8 | 8 |
| Draws | 7 | 2 |
| Losses | 5 | 2 |
| Points Won | 31 | 26 |
| Goals For | 34 | 22 |
| Goals Against | 30 | 13 |
| Goal Difference | +4 | +9 |
Since then, their strong run of form has taken them ten points clear of their rivals, with eight wins from 13 games played and just two defeats in that spell.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “He’s still in the box seat for me, Michael Carrick, he’s done a really good job since replacing Ruben Amorim.
“When he took over, most people didn’t expect Man United to be in contention for a Champions League finish, and they’re now well-placed to achieve that.
“It’s in their own hands, and they are confident they can clinch a place in the Champions League, which will be a major financial boost for them as well.
“Carrick has done a great job throughout the club, he’s got the players back onside including some of the big names there who are enjoying playing under him.
“I would still say he’s clear favourite for the role, but I don’t think United will be rushing into making anything that will look at all options and that remains the case right now.”
What is Man United’s plan for appointing their next manager?
Man United have maintained since Amorim’s dismissal that the decision on their next permanent manager will not be made until the end of the season.
Carrick’s leadership and record since taking over have made him the strong favourite for the role, but he is still not the only manager being considered.
They are keen to assess a number of options, as Football Insider reported Julian Nagelsmann is a strong contender for United ahead of the World Cup.
Nagelsmann will lead Germany at the finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico, but could become available afterwards and remains highly thought-of at Old Trafford.
The likes of Unai Emery and Oliver Glasner have also been linked with the position, although they are considered outsiders, with Carrick the firm first choice.
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