Man United chiefs back Michael Carrick

Manchester United are preparing to open talks with Michael Carrick about taking charge on a permanent basis after his interim spell, according to reports published on Wednesday. Sky Sports reported on May 13 that formal discussions are expected before United's final Premier League game at Brighton on May 24. ESPN reported earlier this month that Carrick was leading the race but that club executives still wanted to run a full process before making a final decision. (skysports.com) Carrick, 44, returned to Old Trafford in January on a deal running to the end of the season after Ruben Amorim's exit, according to Sky Sports and ESPN. (skysports.com) His case has been built on results as much as familiarity with the club: Sky Sports said he had won 10 of 15 matches in charge by May 13, while ESPN said on May 1 he had won nine of his first 13. The variation reflects the timing of the reports, but both described him as the leading internal option. ### Why are United moving toward Carrick now? May 13 was the point at which Sky Sports said United had decided Carrick was the candidate they wanted to speak to first. (skysports.com) The report said club bosses had not completely ruled out another appointment for next season and had made contact with other possible candidates, but that Carrick had moved to the front of the queue. March 23 was an earlier marker in the same process. Sky Sports reported then that United had not yet spoken to other candidates and that the team's run under Carrick had made it harder for decision-makers to look elsewhere. (skysports.com) At that stage, the outlet said United had taken 23 points from 30 available and sat top of the Premier League form table. ### What has Carrick actually changed on the pitch? United's league position is the central fact in Carrick's case. ESPN reported on May 1 that the team was on the brink of Champions League qualification and needed two more points to guarantee its place. (skysports.com) Independent fixture listings show United are due to finish the league season away to Brighton on May 24. Amad publicly backed Carrick on April 7 after United climbed into the top four. ESPN quoted the winger saying Carrick was "the right man" and reported that players believed the former midfielder had done enough to earn the job full-time. (skysports.com) ESPN also said the final decision would be made by chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. ### Who still has to sign off on the appointment? Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox have been identified by ESPN as the executives expected to make the final call. Sky Sports, citing club hierarchy thinking, said Carrick's popularity with the squad, his media handling and his understanding of the club had all counted in his favor alongside the results. (espn.com) Steve Holland's future is also part of the discussion, according to ESPN. The report said one consideration in giving Carrick the job permanently was whether assistant Holland, who arrived with him in January, would also stay on. (espn.com) ### What about the reports on Andre Onana? Andre Onana's position appears separate from the managerial decision, but it points to the scale of summer planning already under way. Manchester United sent Onana to Trabzonspor on a season-long loan in September 2025, according to club reporting carried by Sky Sports and ESPN. ESPN later reported that United were willing to listen to offers for him after signing goalkeeper Senne Lammens. (espn.com) May 24 is the next date in the immediate sequence. Sky Sports said formal talks with Carrick are expected before Brighton, and ESPN said Berrada and Wilcox are the executives due to decide who will lead United into next season. (espn.com) (skysports.com 1) (skysports.com 2)