Manchester United chiefs are in talks over their next permanent manager, with Fabrizio Romano issuing a fresh update on the situation via GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness podcast.
Man United caretaker Michael Carrick is one of the leading contenders to take the job on a permanent basis after launching the club into the Champions League places in the Premier League.
The Red Devils already know that a top-five finish will be enough for them to secure a spot in Europe's elite club competition next term, and they currently lie seven points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea.
Carrick and his side missed the opportunity to extend that advantage to 10 points however, after they were beaten 2-1 by relegation-threatened Leeds United at Old Trafford on Monday night.
United were dominated by Daniel Farke's men in the first half, which has raised some doubts among the fan base whether the 44-year-old is the right man for the job in the long-term, despite the fine job he has done overall.
Romano: Man United Chiefs 'Very Happy' With Carrick
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick applauds the supporters
Those doubts aren't shared by United's hierarchy, who are 'very happy' with Carrick, who is very much in contention to be named as the club's next permanent manager.
Explaining the latest on GMS' Market Madness podcast on Wednesday afternoon, Romano said:
"What I understand is that he's absolutely still in the running to be the next United permanent manager, so nothing has changed after the least game.
"In general, Man United are very happy with Carrick. It's about the attitude, the relationship with the leaders of the dressing room, with the players, with the club. So they're very happy.
"Obviously, from now to the end of the season, Champions League football is going to be important, and also how they finish the season.
"They continue their internal discussions about managers because it's part of the process. Man United have been very clear with Carrick since day one, 'do your best while we internally assess all the best solutions possible for Man United', and Carrick is absolutely okay with that, but they believe he still has chances to stay as permanent manager."
Who Else is in Contention for Man United Job?
Julian Nagelsmann watching on from the touchline
According to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs, United will begin outreach to other potential managerial candidates this month ahead of making their decision.
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has been mentioned by some as the frontrunner alongside Carrick, while Jacobs revealed previously that Portugal boss Roberto Martinez was a name who had been discussed internally by United chiefs.
Romano also recently revealed that one United senior official dreams of appointing Luis Enrique as the club's manager at some stage, but it seems unlikely it will happen anytime soon.
The Spaniard is currently in talks with Paris Saint-Germain to extend his stay at the Parc des Princes, with the French club moving one step closer to retaining their Champions League crown after advancing to the semi-finals following a 4-0 aggregate win over Arne Slot's Liverpool.
It has also been confirmed that Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner will both be available this summer when they leave Bournemouth and Crystal Palace at the end of the season, when their contracts expire.