Michael Carrick is in talks with Manchester United over becoming their new manager following an impressive turnaround at Old Trafford
Manchester United are reportedly preparing an initial offer of a two-year contract for Michael Carrick to become their permanent head coach. His backroom staff is also expected to stay on after an impressive four months at Old Trafford.
Carrick returned in January on an interim basis and has since guided United to Champions League qualification, losing only two of 15 games.
United sit third in the Premier League table as they head into their final two games against Nottingham Forest and Brighton. With Champions League football already confirmed for 2026/27, it represents a stark turnaround from Ruben Amorim's efforts at M16.
The Athletic report that talks are underway between Carrick and the club's hierarchy after Sir Jim Ratcliffe gave the green light, following recommendations from chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox for Carrick to get the job full‑time.
The proposal is for an initial two‑year contract, with an option for a further season taking it to 2029.
It's understood that Carrick's backroom staff are set to stay on, with assistant Steve Holland viewed as a key figure. Coaches Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion are also in line for new deals.
The club believe Carrick's backroom staff offer a strong blend of skillsets and personalities, and those who have observed their sessions at Carrington say there is a clear, positive dynamic among the group.
Carrick was asked about his future on Friday in his pre-match press conference, and said: "I can't blame you for asking. There’s two games to go, apart from that there’s not much else to say, probably what you expect. The situation is pretty clear for us all. Same as in terms of preparing for the game.
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"The future for me is going to be decided pretty soon, we knew that it was going to be towards the end of the season. Nothing has changed, there is no big swing on that. Whatever is beyond that is pretty close anyway."
Carrick's stellar season has been underlined by his nomination for the prestigious Premier League Manager of the Season award.
The EPL unveiled a six‑man shortlist including Keith Andrews, Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola, Andoni Iraola and Regis Le Bris - each with an equally inspiring story to the United head coach.
Meanwhile, many senior players have already made their feelings clear about the former midfielder since his transformation. The appointment of Carrick is being supported by several United players, including midfielder Casemiro.
"In my opinion, he completely deserves it [the Manchester United job], I think he's a guy who has already demonstrated that he has very good qualities to be a Manchester United coach," Casemiro told ESPN Brazil.
"So it's not up to me to choose, it's up to the club. But if I could give my opinion, of course he deserves it, and he deserves the club's total trust.
"Of course, the season is year-round, but since he arrived, he's been doing an incredible job and I think that with more time he has everything to be a great manager of Manchester United."