Man Utd hierarchy officially recommends managerial appointment to Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Manchester United are moving closer to appointing Michael Carrick permanently after senior football executives backed him to continue as manager beyond the end of the season.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox will make the proposal during an executive committee meeting this week, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe still required to approve the final decision.

Formal talks with Carrick are now expected to open soon, with all indications pointing towards the former United midfielder staying in charge.

United have explored other options during their search, with Andoni Iraola and Unai Emery among the names considered.

Background checks were also carried out on several candidates, but Carrick’s results and influence inside the dressing room have moved him into pole position.

The club initially intended to wait until the end of the campaign before making a final decision.

However, Champions League qualification has now been secured, and United want clarity before stepping up their transfer preparations for next season.

The club believe potential signings will benefit from knowing who they will be playing under.

Carrick returned to Old Trafford in January after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal and took charge with United sitting seventh in the Premier League.

He has overseen a major improvement in form, guiding the team to third place and securing a return to the Champions League.

United have taken more league points than any other Premier League side since Carrick’s appointment (W10, D3, L2).

The 3-2 victory over Liverpool, which sealed Champions League qualification, further strengthened his case.

Kobbie Mainoo, who scored the winner in that game, publicly backed Carrick afterwards, saying the players ‘want to die for him on the pitch’.

Other members of the squad, including Amad Diallo, Matheus Cunha and Casemiro, have also spoken positively about his impact.

Carrick is already involved in planning meetings at Carrington, and there is a growing expectation among players and staff that he will be given the role.

United must still agree the terms of any contract and clarify the structure of his backroom team.

His current coaching staff are expected to continue, although final details have yet to be resolved.

Carrick previously had a brief caretaker spell at United in 2021 before leaving after Ralf Rangnick’s appointment.

He later impressed at Middlesbrough, where he took the club from 21st to fourth in his first season.

His playing history at Old Trafford also carries weight, having made 464 appearances and won five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

If confirmed, his appointment would give United stability after another turbulent campaign and allow the club to enter the summer with a clearer football plan.