Michael Carrick: Manchester United ready to open talks over permanent manager | Football news

Manchester United are ready to open talks with Michael Carrick about continuing as head coach at the end of the season.

Official talks are expected to begin before United’s final game at Brighton on May 24.

United’s management have not completely ruled out the possibility of someone else being in charge next season, and have reached out to other potential candidates, but the club’s management have decided that Carrick is the man they want to speak to first.

The Manchester United midfielder has been leading the charge in this role for some time now, with his managers impressed by his popularity in the playing squad, his handling of the media, his understanding of the origins and size of the football club – but also, most importantly, the results he has achieved on the pitch.

In his 15 games in charge, he has won ten and drawn three, and has secured Champions League football next season, as well as raising around £100m as a result.

So, Carrick delivered everything that was asked of him and more, and in those circumstances, it was always difficult to see how United could offer the job to another player.

However, United are determined to maintain a strict recruitment process rather than an appointment, and although there have been ongoing discussions between Carrick and his management, formal talks over the terms of any contract have yet to begin.

But it is understood that this will happen within days, and it is thought that there should not be significant difficulties for both parties to reach an agreement on the legal details.

Nev analyzes why Carrick is in ‘pole position’ for the job

Gary Neville on Michael Carrick’s future after the 3-2 win over Liverpool:

“He has put himself at the top for what he has done, there are things that have emerged that will give Manchester United fans the comfort that they are in safe hands.

“Manchester United need stability. They haven’t had that in the last few years, but he will bring that in a way that everyone trusts him.

“The fans love him, the players obviously love him. The owners will trust him. Next year, he has 55-60 games with the Champions League, and they certainly won’t get out of the first round of the cup competitions. Then it’s all a different level of management and scrutiny. It’s a very big challenge. Do you have the work experience? Do you have the body?

“Some people say: ‘Why don’t you give him a one-year contract and give him another year so he can continue to settle?’ I don’t think I can argue with that.

“But if there is a world-class manager who has won titles, Manchester United must follow that path because five managers have never had the experience of a big club. Michael would be one who has not had that.”