Michael Carrick’s hopes of becoming permanent Manchester United boss have been handed a boost.
The interim head coach has firmly put his name into the mix having led the Red Devils to 23 points from an available 30.
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick.
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Carrick has turned around United's fortunes since his arrivalCredit: Getty
In that time, Carrick has overseen just one defeat in ten matches, leaving United on the cusp of Champions League qualification.
United sit top of the form table and that has led to calls for the former midfielder to be handed the job on a full-time basis.
And that could be the theme for the Old Trafford chiefs as talkSPORT understands they have not yet interviewed any other candidates.
The 44-year-old is doing his best to convince decision makers not to oust him from the dugout.
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Change in fortune
Carrick, who was caretaker manager at United after the exit of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021, has reignited their season.
Ruben Amorim was in the dugout at the beginning of the campaign but was sacked in January as they sat sixth in the Premier League.
Darren Fletcher was appointed as caretaker, before Carrick returned on a deal until the end of the season.
He made an excellent start by beating rivals and title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal.
Victories over Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur followed, before a draw at West Ham saw him drop points for the first time.
Only Newcastle United have been able to beat United with Carrick at the helm.
Man United head coach Michael Carrick
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Carrick has certainly done enough to put himself in contention for the jobCredit: Getty
With seven games left to play, United have an excellent opportunity to seal their return to the Champions League.
Leeds United, Chelsea and Liverpool will come as their biggest tests in the run-in, although they now look to be in the driving seat to finish in the top four.
They have a six-point lead ahead of fifth-place Liverpool, so a win at home to the Reds on May 3 would be a real statement.
Should Carrick seal Champions League qualification, he would have a very real chance of being offered the full-time job.
However, United could very well look at other options ahead of the new season.
Xabi Alonso and Enzo Maresca are currently without clubs, as are Xavi and Roberto De Zerbi.
Graphic of Michael Carrick stats at Man United as of March 27.
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Carrick boasts an impressive run of results at Old Trafford