Manchester United's senior executives will recommend Michael Carrick for the permanent manager position. They plan to present their choice to club shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe this week.
Carrick, 44, has emerged as the leading candidate. He became caretaker manager in January. His successful period has secured the team's place in next season's Champions League.
This move follows a period of instability for the club. Ruben Amorim was sacked in January. United aimed to decide on a replacement later in the season. Chief Executive Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox now believe Carrick is the right man.
The club has collected 33 points in the Premier League since Carrick took charge on January 13. This is more than any other top-flight team during that period. He oversaw victories against title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal early in his tenure. A seven-game unbeaten run was eventually broken in March.
Further wins against Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Liverpool solidified their return to top European competition. The squad experienced disarray before Carrick's arrival. Poor results and tactical disagreements led to Amorim's dismissal after 14 months.
Carrick previously had a brief spell as interim manager. This was after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure in 2021. He has since stabilised the club. His work on and off the pitch has been praised.
Behind the scenes, Carrick has made a positive mark. He is commended for his dedication to United's youth development. He also stresses a long-term approach to decision-making. He has participated in discussions about player recruitment. Many United players have publicly supported his permanent appointment.
The club did consider other candidates. Some, like Thomas Tuchel, chose to remain with their current teams. Luis Enrique remains committed to Paris Saint-Germain. Carrick's side will finish their 2025-26 season with upcoming matches.