According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United is expected to officially announce Michael Carrick as the permanent head coach before the end of the season, rewarding him for guiding the team back to the Champions League. His current coaching staff, including Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, and Travis Binnion, will also remain in their roles.
The club’s hierarchy aims to end any speculation regarding their support for Carrick. His only previous managerial experience was at Middlesbrough, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s team had concerns about repeating the mistakes of 2019 when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was given a long-term contract after an interim spell, only to see performances decline. However, since taking over from Ruben Amorim in January, Carrick has impressed everyone, securing Champions League qualification and surpassing Solskjaer’s early achievements.
The Manchester Evening News reports that Ratcliffe now has no reason to delay Carrick’s permanent appointment. After the match against Sunderland, Carrick remained calm when questioned about the club considering other candidates, seemingly unfazed. Perhaps he has no reason to worry.
External factors have left Carrick as the only viable option. Top coaches have largely rejected United’s approaches. The latest reports indicate that Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is also no longer a candidate. United’s management had meetings with him, but he is now more likely to join Crystal Palace. Iraola has publicly stated he is in no rush to decide, as Bournemouth can still fight for Champions League qualification and he wants to make history with the club before leaving.
United sources insist no final decision has been made, but British media believe it is a matter of when, not if, Carrick will be confirmed. Managers like Julian Nagelsmann, Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, and Luis Enrique are all unavailable for a summer move.
Carrick is likely relaxed about the club’s continued rigorous selection process. He may now have enough confidence that he has passed the test and will soon receive a permanent contract. United may not be sure if Iraola or Oliver Glasner fits, but they know Carrick does.
The 44-year-old United legend has performed admirably, exceeding expectations with the first team, bringing stability and harmony, and giving chances to academy players like Kobbie Mainoo. Over the past four months, he has handled the role well, not buckling under pressure or collapsing after occasional defeats, maintaining a positive mindset — a stark contrast to the emotional and unstable reigns of Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
Departing veteran Casemiro continues to back Carrick, comparing him to Carlo Ancelotti. “Ancelotti is a top coach because he knows how to win titles. He was a player, he knows what we need to hear, he puts pressure on but knows when to do it. Carrick understands that too. So in my opinion, he deserves it,” Casemiro said. He added, “His coaching staff is also very good, and he’s smart. But above all, he knows Manchester United. He understands the club. I remember our match against Leeds United — the pre-match meeting was all about the history of this fixture.”
United has not yet started formal contract negotiations with Carrick, but no issues are expected. He will likely become one of the lowest-paid managers in recent history, agreeing to an annual salary of around £4 million. In comparison, his predecessor Ruben Amorim earned £6.5 million per year.
