Man Utd dressing room claim says it all as Michael Carrick decision encouraged

Michael Carrick has been hugely impressive as Manchester United interim head coach since Ruben Amorim was sacked

Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard is firmly convinced that Michael Carrick should be handed the permanent manager's role at the end of the current campaign. Carrick stepped in to replace Ruben Amorim on a caretaker basis in January, with the club faltering in their bid to secure a Champions League berth.

Since then, United have embarked on a remarkable run of form, winning eight of Carrick's 12 matches at the helm to edge themselves closer to Champions League qualification for next season. Should they overcome Brentford tonight, they will sit 11 points above sixth-placed Brighton with just 12 points left up for grabs.

Lingard made 55 appearances for United alongside Carrick before the former midfielder transitioned into a coaching role at the club during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tenure.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the current Corinthians midfielder made it clear that Carrick's influence on the dressing room makes him the standout candidate for the position.

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"I think they have come on leaps and bounds," Lingard said. "Obviously it can be difficult with different managers coming in and having different ideas and different personnel.

"But I think now they are really on the right track with Michael. I know him from my Man United days, I know how he operates and the lads are doing really well under him."

When asked if Carrick should get the job permanently, he replied: "I think so. He has the Man United DNA inside of him. He knows the ins and outs of the club. They are on the right track at the moment.

"The lads have taken to him really well. They are winning a lot of games, they will probably get Champions League this season which is amazing. So I think so, 100 per cent."

Lingard was also quizzed on whether Bruno Fernandes deserves to be considered for the Ballon d'Or this year. United's skipper has had a remarkable season, racking up 19 assists and eight goals as the Reds push for Champions League qualification.

The 33-year-old believes Fernandes, alongside whom he made 26 appearances, warrants inclusion in the conversation for the prestigious accolade.

"His performances for Man United this season have been extraordinary," Lingard said. "He is three assists off [Kevin] De Bruyne's record so for me he has to be up there, 100 per cent."

Since his move to Brazil, Lingard has made eight appearances for Corinthians, including netting the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Barra in the Copa do Brasil fifth round first leg last week.