It is unclear whether Michael Carrick will become Manchester United’s permanent manager. (Image: Getty)
Michael Carrick has revealed that he enjoyed “casual” discussions with Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe last week, amid mounting speculation over his long-term position at the club. It remains unclear whether the interim manager will be appointed as the permanent manager this summer.
Carrick has secured eight wins and two draws in 12 games since filling the position left vacant by the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim in January. United sit third in the Premier League and are in a position to qualify for the Champions League. However, despite this success, United bosses have not given any clarity on whether Carrick will sign a new contract in the summer.
Ratcliffe, director of football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada said they would delay making a final decision. Despite his silence on the matter, the former United midfielder is the frontrunner for the position, but claims no such discussion was raised during Ratcliffe’s visit to Carrington last week.
“He came over, we had a chat. We had a cup of tea. We had a casual chat. To be honest, it was nice to see him obviously show his support,” Carrick said ahead of United’s game against Brentford on Monday night. “That was it. It was quite informal, but it was nice to meet him. I think as a football club we had a great connection right up until the end.”
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“I think it’s a big role and I’m very aware that it should be and I’m trying to do my part like everyone else. So I’ve felt that way ever since I’ve been here since January.”
Carrick has been impressive since taking over. (Image: Getty)
The club have been interested in signing Andoni Iraola since he announced he would be leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season. However, it is said that no discussions have taken place with potential candidates, and top officials have decided not to make a decision until the election campaign is over.
If United sign Carrick to a long-term deal, the 44-year-old will retain his existing coaching staff. Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, Steve Holland and Travis Binion have all made quite an impression on the training ground, and Carrick is full of praise for the backroom team he has assembled in a hurry.
“Even though we came together specifically for our role here, we are all very clear about what that looks like,” Carrick said. “To be honest, there’s no need to over-discuss it. I think we’re all on the same page.
The entire coaching staff clicked. (Image: Getty)
“We know that. It’s very clear, you know, I keep saying the same thing every week in a way, but that’s what it is. We’re right, we’re okay with it, and the coaches are okay with it.”
“Sometimes you connect with people and things work out and you work together and things go well. For me, it’s all about people, whether it’s players, staff, supporters, families, whatever it is. I think it’s really important to connect with people to try to get the best out of each other.”
“I have to say the staff has been absolutely top class in different ways, different personalities, different roles. It takes a lot of effort to gather in a coaching office that’s not much bigger than a desk and be around the desk every day when it’s new and fresh, but it’s a credit to everyone. Everything has been positive since we got together in January.”
