Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick strengthened his case for the permanent job by securing an outstanding 3-2 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, 3 May, in the Premier League. The Red Devils have been the league’s in-form team since the Englishman’s arrival, registering 10 wins and two defeats in 14 games so far.
They are now third in the Premier League table after 35 games, six points ahead of the Merseyside club in fourth. With the highly anticipated return to the Champions League now secure, United will now turn their attention to consolidating their position in the table.
That will further improve Carrick’s candidature for the full-time job, with an appointment expected at the end of this season. The Red Devils’ impressive turnaround under the former midfielder has already made him one of the favourites for the job.
With experienced managers like Carlo Ancelotti, Luis Enrique and Thomas Tuchel unavailable this summer, Carrick’s main competitors are Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner and Julian Nagelsmann. Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on the situation, which will certainly please United fans.
Carrick frontrunner for the job
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano insisted that United consider Carrick as the frontrunner for the permanent position. He said: “I know you see the reports and rumours in the press in England and elsewhere saying Andoni Iraola and many other managers are candidates for the Manchester United job.”
“But my message to you has always been the same. According to my understanding, Michael Carrick’s chances of staying at Manchester United and remaining as permanent manager next season are increasing week after week after week.”
“And now I can add: Manchester United internally believe that Michael Carrick is the clear favourite to keep the job and to be the Manchester United manager next season. We are still waiting for an official decision by the club. Let’s wait. They were probably waiting for Champions League football in order to make a final decision as soon as possible.”
“But Carrick remains the clear favourite. Excellent relationship with the players, excellent relationship with the board, and we can see how much they love him. That is not new. Soon it will be time to make a decision, but Carrick is the clear favourite to stay as Manchester United boss, despite all the other reports. Let’s wait for United to communicate what they want to do.”
Michael Carrick Managerial Career Stats
| Team | From | To | Games Played | Games Won | Games Drawn | Games Lost | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United (caretaker) | 21 November 2021 | 2 December 2021 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 66.7% |
| Middlesbrough | 24 October 2022 | 4 June 2025 | 136 | 63 | 24 | 49 | 46.3% |
| Manchester United | 13 January 2026 | Present | 14 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 71.4% |
Source: Wikipedia.
United yet to initiate formal talks
According to Alex Crooks, United are yet to initiate formal talks with Carrick regarding the permanent position. However, there is growing optimism that negotiations will be positive and he will be handed the full-time job.
Meanwhile, Ben Jacobs adds that Champions League qualification has not changed the Red Devils’ selection procedure. The Premier League giants still want to speak with potential candidates and assess their options before coming to a decision regarding the position.
The journalist adds that Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Matheus Cunha are among several senior players who want Carrick to continue in the position. It is also confirmed that the English manager is involved in recruitment meetings for the upcoming season.
Final Thoughts
Carrick’s ability to get the best out of the squad that was struggling under former head coach Ruben Amorim is a testament to his managerial acumen. With the right recruitment over the summer, there is no reason why the Englishman cannot guide United back to their glory days.
Michael Carrick is waiting for formal talks with Manchester United, but is a strong contender for the role.#MUFC want to speak to multiple candidates as part of a thorough process. Qualifying for the #UCL will not alter that plan.
Several senior players, including Bruno… pic.twitter.com/hCr4avz1Rj
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 4, 2026
Featured image by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
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