Carrick primed to be named permanent MU head coach as recommendation ready to Sir Ratcliffe

Manchester United's leadership team are set to recommend the club appoint Michael Carrick as permanent head coach at a meeting later this week.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox have been impressed by United's upturn in form under their former player, who was given the job for the rest of the season following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.

They are expected to tell co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe that Carrick, 44, is their preferred choice to take the job, and that his coaching staff - which includes former England assistant manager Steve Holland - should also remain at Old Trafford.

While sources have disclosed that a final decision remains outstanding, all signs are now pointing to the former midfielder, who enjoyed a glittering career at United as a player.

Ratcliffe is expected to have the final say, with his INEOS operation taking over football operations from majority owners the Glazer family.

Daily Mail Sport reported exclusively last month that Carrick is in pole position for the job, and on Tuesday revealed that his appointment could be confirmed before the end of the season.

While there have been some bumps in the road, Carrick has overseen a rapid improvement in form, with the club sealing a precious Champions League spot with two games to play.