Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Manchester United are closing in on confirming Michael Carrick as the club’s permanent manager after Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly approved a long-term project built around the former midfielder following an impressive turnaround at Old Trafford.
According to multiple reports, Carrick has accepted the proposal and is expected to formally sign a contract soon, with discussions centered around either a two-year deal with an option for an additional season or a straight three-year agreement.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Manchester United’s hierarchy, players, and directors are all aligned behind the decision to keep Carrick in charge beyond his interim spell.
Carrick took over earlier this year following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim and has since overseen a dramatic improvement in results, guiding United back into UEFA Champions League qualification contention while restoring stability around the squad.
Under the 44-year-old, United have collected more Premier League points than any other side during parts of his interim tenure, recording major victories against rivals including Manchester City and Arsenal.
The rapid transformation reportedly convinced key club figures, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, that Carrick deserves the opportunity to lead the club permanently.
Despite speculation linking several high-profile coaches to the role in recent months, reports suggest no serious rival candidate ultimately emerged strongly enough to displace Carrick as the preferred choice.
Carrick himself recently acknowledged that clarity over his future would arrive soon but stressed his focus remained on finishing the season strongly. “It’s a special club,” he said while discussing his return to the dugout at Old Trafford.
Senior players have also publicly backed the appointment. Midfielder Casemiro recently compared Carrick’s calm leadership style to that of Carlo Ancelotti and insisted the Englishman “deserves to stay.”
The expected appointment marks a significant shift in Manchester United’s strategy under Ratcliffe and INEOS, signaling a willingness to invest in continuity rather than pursue another short-term managerial overhaul.
For many supporters, Carrick’s rise from interim solution to permanent manager represents the clearest sign yet that United are attempting to rebuild around stability, identity, and a long-term football vision after years of turbulence since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
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