Manchester United executives back Michael Carrick for permanent managerial role
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are expected to endorse the former midfielder, following a stabilising period that has seen United climb to third in the Premier League.
Manchester United’s senior leadership is poised to formally recommend Michael Carrick for the permanent manager position, bypassing the club’s initial intention to delay the decision until the conclusion of the season. Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox have concluded that the 44-year-old former midfielder is the appropriate candidate to lead the club forward, and are expected to present this recommendation to minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe this week.
The shift in strategy follows a significant turnaround in performance under Carrick’s stewardship as caretaker head coach. Since his appointment on 13 January, United have secured 33 points from 15 matches, the highest total by any Premier League club during that period. The team has climbed from seventh to third in the table, effectively securing qualification for next season’s Champions League and ending a period of instability that characterised the final months of Ruben Amorim’s tenure.
Carrick’s record includes victories against direct title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal in his first four matches. Although a seven-game unbeaten run was interrupted in March, subsequent wins against Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Liverpool have solidified the club’s position in Europe’s elite club competition. The results have prompted United players to publicly advocate for Carrick to be appointed on a full-time basis, citing his stabilising influence on the pitch.
Beyond immediate results, Carrick has garnered internal support for his approach to club governance and development. He has been praised for his commitment to the youth development programme and his active involvement in recruitment discussions, emphasising a long-term strategic view. This contrasts with the disarray that preceded his appointment, where tactical disagreements and poor results had strained relations between Amorim and club officials over his 14-month tenure.
While United have assessed other potential candidates, the pool of available high-profile managers has narrowed. England manager Thomas Tuchel and Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique have both decided to remain in their current roles. Carrick, who previously served as a temporary boss for three games in 2021 following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal, is now viewed as the clear favourite, with formal talks set to commence pending Ratcliffe’s agreement.
