Carrick could throw spanner in works as new Man Utd manager theory emerges

Michael Carrick has Manchester United in pole position for Champions League qualification during a spell as interim manager

Manchester United's performances under Michael Carrick have prompted demands for the interim manager to secure the position permanently this summer. Yet few have considered what the club might do should he decline the opportunity.

Carrick has overseen 10 fixtures, all in the league, since accepting a short-term agreement. A haul of 23 points from those encounters has helped elevate United to third in the standings with seven matches remaining, though they still have to face fellow top-four contenders Chelsea and Liverpool.

The former United midfielder described the Old Trafford position as the "ultimate role" in February. The early signs point to Carrick being willing to take the role permanently, but this hasn't stopped pundit Tim Sherwood questioning openly whether he might turn down a permanent contract.

"No one's asked Michael, he might say 'I don't want it'," Sherwood suggested on No Tippy Tappy Football. "I can't imagine he would, but you just never know."

Sherwood also floated the notion of Carrick taking charge at another of his former clubs, Tottenham. However, fellow pundit Sam Allardyce said it would be "the worst decision he's ever made" were Carrick to reject United.

"It depends whether he wants to be a manager again or not, though," Allardyce said. "He might have had enough after what he experienced at Middlesbrough. Sometimes it's just not for you.

"You can't say he wouldn't want it now, surely. That would be the worst decision he's ever made in his life if he turns Man United down."

In February, Carrick provided the strongest hint yet that he'd be willing to remain at Old Trafford beyond this campaign. "For me, it's the ultimate role," the 44-year-old told BBC Sport.

"I'm really enjoying it, I love what I'm doing. I'm fortunate. I feel privileged to be in the position I am, but it's not the fact that I believe I can do it and I'm here to do it.

"I said it when I came in - there's the sentimental side of that... of understanding the role and coming through the club and being here and loving the club and being a supporter and all that side of it is one thing. But, actually, I'm here to do a job now and to make a good team and be successful.

"I don't decide how long that's going to be, but I love being here, and while I'm here, I'll give everything I can. And I always plan for the long-term future for the benefit of the football club. That's how I believe it should be."

United could only draw at Bournemouth on Friday, with the game finishing 2-2 after Harry Maguire conceded a late penalty and was sent off. They remain in the driving seat in the Champions League battle, however, with Liverpool losing to Brighton on Saturday lunchtime and Chelsea beaten 3-0 at Everton a few hours later.