Michael Carrick is expected to be confirmed as Manchester United’s next permanent head coach by the end of the season after impressing in his interim role.
Michael Carrick is set to earn a full-time job at Manchester United (Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has refused to be named due to speculation he will be offered a permanent move by Manchester United, but admitted he expects his future to be decided “soon”.
The former United midfielder has enjoyed a strong run since taking over as interim replacement for Ruben Amorim in January, winning 10 of his 15 games in charge. This form has seen the Red Devils move from seventh to third in the Premier League, with United already guaranteed a return to next year’s Champions League.
Speculation had grown that the 44-year-old would be handed the role full-time since United qualified for the Champions League. Earlier this week, reports emerged outlining Carrick being recommended to Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a priority candidate in the search for a new permanent head coach.
And when Carrick was asked questions about his future ahead of this weekend’s game between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, the former Middlesbrough manager gave little response.
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“We have two games left, but other than that there’s not much to say,” he said at a press conference on Friday. “The situation is pretty clear for all of us. It’s the same as preparing for a match.
“This is a unique football club and a special club. As a supporter and as a former player, it was important for me to come back as a genuine supporter and be in a position to help and move forward. I’m very proud to be back and be part of it. It’s great to take a big step forward and be back in the Champions League. We’re happy with the work we’ve done so far.”
“My future will be decided soon, we knew it. Nothing has changed. There are no big changes in that regard.”
Carrick has turned United’s season around (Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA, Getty Images)
United play their final home game of the season on Sunday when they host Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. It remains to be seen whether Carrick’s departure will be decided by then, but he did confirm that he will address supporters on the pitch after the match.
“I think that’s important in any situation. The supporters are a big part of this club. I’m grateful to them for the season and the support and personally for the last four months, and of course I’m grateful,” he said.
“Regardless of it (his future), the players feel that for what we’ve been through and that connection and it’s important to just get that.
“It’s important to me to thank my fans.”
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