Man Utd executives will recommend Michael Carrick appointment in meeting with Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Manchester United’s football leaders are set to recommend Michael Carrick be offered the permanent head coach role during an executive committee meeting this week.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox feel Carrick is the right man to lead United into next season, and are ready to make the proposal to Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

United’s co-owner is the ultimate decision-maker on major calls, and as such it has not yet been ratified, but all indications point to Carrick remaining in charge. The Glazer family, who own the majority of shares, are content to allow Ratcliffe to lead on football matters.

The decision is expected to pave the way for United to open talks with Carrick. On the ground at Carrington, Carrick is involved in planning meetings and there is an expectation among players and staff that he gets the job.

United have been weighing up their options, with Andoni Iraola and Unai Emery among the figures considered. Staff members made background checks on several candidates.

Club executives wanted to wait until the end of the campaign to make a final decision but now Champions League qualification has been secured, the subject is being addressed.

Transfer preparation is well underway on signings, and being able to tell potential recruits who they will be playing for is seen as an important aspect of the process.

Carrick’s impact on the squad has been significant. Following the 3-2 victory over Liverpool which confirmed their Champions League qualification, match-winner Kobbie Mainoo told Sky Sports, “we want to die for him (Carrick) on the pitch”.

In the week leading up to the fixture, The Athletic reported that Carrick met with Ratcliffe, who was “showing his support”.

Carrick, 44, returned to Old Trafford for his second interim stint in January, taking over from Ruben Amorim after United’s two games under Darren Fletcher with the side seventh in the Premier League — 11 points and five places behind rivals Manchester City.

United’s fortunes have improved dramatically under the former England international and they are now third in the league, six points above Liverpool in fourth with two games to play.

After early exits in the domestic cup competitions and not playing in Europe due to their previous season’s 15th-place finish, United will play in the Champions League for the first time since the 2023-24 campaign, when they did not make it past the group stage.

Carrick previously managed United in a caretaker capacity after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking in the autumn of 2021. After winning twice and drawing once, he left the club, as Ralf Rangnick was appointed on an interim basis until the end of the season. Before returning to Old Trafford, Carrick spent just under three years at Championship side Middlesborough, guiding them from 21st to fourth in his first season.

The former midfielder spent 12 years at United in his playing days, making 464 appearances and winning five Premier League titles and one Champions League.

Carrick appointment would maintain momentum

As is customary for managers at the end of campaigns, Carrick could take the mic to address the crowd after United’s final home game on Sunday, when Nottingham Forest visit Old Trafford, and having clarity on his future would allow him to speak openly about his ambitions into next season.

Confirming his status should provide a boost of energy in the stadium, in the way presenting major signings such as Raphael Varane and Casemiro did in recent years, and Carrick would be able to set the tone for the months ahead, maintaining a sense of momentum.

Waiting until after everyone has departed on holidays or World Cup preparation could create a sense of uncertainty and undermine Carrick’s authority, as happened when United looked around the market after Erik ten Hag had won the FA Cup in 2024.

United of course need to first open talks on a new contract for Carrick, and resolve the make-up of his backroom team, with the current personnel expected to continue, and whether all those matters are resolved by the time of the Forest game remains to be seen. That cannot be rushed.

But there feels a balance to strike, which would benefit the club, if Carrick is the chosen candidate as anticipated.

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