Carrick's transfer plan revealed as permanent manager verdict delivered

Manchester United are in the driving seat for Champions League qualification but uncertainty remains over who will become their permanent manager.

Manchester United took a huge stride to reclaiming their place in the Champions League after their hard-fought 1-0 win at Chelsea. The Red Devils dented the Londoners' European hopes and boosted their own thanks to a solitary Matheus Cunha goal.

The triumph in West London keeps Michael Carrick's side in the driving seat as they sit third in the Premier League table with five matches remaining. The former Middlesbrough boss has steered the club back towards where they belong after eight wins in his opening 12 matches since replacing Ruben Amorim on a caretaker basis.

Only twice have United tasted disappointment but they were devastating against Chelsea with Bruno Fernandes moving one closer to the assists record.

Mirror Football has taken a look at the latest news surrounding United.

Michael Carrick endorsed for Manchester United role

Joe Cole and Owen Hargreaves have been in agreement regarding Carrick's position as United boss.

The 44-year-old is currently on a deal until the end of the season having been placed in temporary charge following Amorim's sacking.

The jury has been out regarding Carrick's permanent appointment with the likes of Gary Neville and Roy Keane previously calling for more experienced figures to take over.

But Carrick has turned around the fortunes at Old Trafford, both Cole and Hargreaves have argued that he should be in contention. Cole said: "Realistically, I think it's secured. It's absurd to think of not giving it to him.

"He's come in, got more points than any other person in any other team. What more can you do? It would just be absurd, it wouldn't be a gamble, it would just be absurd [not to give it to him], he's proven it."

Hargreaves, a former United midfielder, said: "He’s proven that he can do the job. Since he’s taken over, they've been the best team in the Premier League. They’ve beaten Man City and Arsenal, the two best teams in this division.

"He’s shown that he can set up a game plan on the counter; obviously, today they did something similar. Carra understands the players and that’s probably why he’s there. He understands the pressure of playing for this football club.

"He puts the boys in the right positions where they need to play to succeed and they’re better in every capacity. So, to not give it to him after giving it to him, probably at the time when you wouldn’t have expected it, would be utterly ridiculous.

"I think today solidifies it. If they hadn’t won today and not got in the Champions League places, you could have the debate, maybe bring in someone more experienced. After today and if he finishes third, I don’t see how you couldn’t give it to him. It wouldn’t make any sense whatsoever."

United in Premier League battle for coveted defender

Manchester United are reportedly interested in Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande. According to Portugese outlet A BOLA, via Sport Witness, the Red Devils are in a battle with Premier League rivals Newcastle.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to England for over a year but it has been said that his performances against Arsenal in the Champions League have significantly boosted his profile.

Diomande is reportedly viewed as a modern centre-back and offers reliability having made over a century of appearances for the Portuguese giants.

Crystal Palace have also been named having explore a move, last summer, during the uncertainty surrounding Marc Guehi but a deal didn't materialise.

The 22-year-old reportedly has an €80million (£69m) release clause but they would be open to negotiating a fee for around £43million but with competition, the price could be driven up.