Manchester United are now looking likely to appoint Michael Carrick as caretaker manager until the end of the season following a twist over the weekend.
GIVEMESPORT sources revealed on Sunday night that the former United midfielder was emerging as a strong contender for the role following face-to-face talks with INEOS.
Previously, it had been suggested that another Manchester United legend in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the favourite to replace Ruben Amorim until June, but now the tables look to have turned following discussions with both in person.
GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Fabrizio Romano reported on Monday that Carrick is becoming the leading option for Red Devils decision-makers.
Carrick 'Ready to Say Yes' to Man United Role
Michael Carrick
According to Romano, the 44-year-old wants the job and if he gets it, he will have the chance to stake his claim to be United's next permanent manager should he impress over the next five months.
Carrick has been out of work since June when he was sacked by Middlesbrough for finishing 10th in the Championship last term, but he would still arrive back at Old Trafford with the reputation of a promising young coach.
He previously had three matches in caretaker charge of United between November and December 2021, winning two and drawing one of his three games at the helm.
Michael Carrick 'Better Than Solskjaer'
ole gunnar solskjaer besiktas manager
While Solskjaer is held in high regard by Manchester United supporters following his playing time at Old Trafford, as well as his three-year spell in charge as manager, appointing Carrick now makes more sense for many reasons.
Firstly, while Carrick has had a brief spell in charge of United, he hasn't been sacked by the club like Solskjaer, and therefore he doesn't have the scar tissue that may exist for manager and fans from the end of that reign.
The Norwegian was sacked by the club for a reason and there is the old adage that you should never go back, while Carrick would begin with a completely clean slate.
Carrick - labelled as a 'class act' by Cristiano Ronaldo - is also said to have significant backing internally and from within the United dressing room for the job, with some senior players favouring him as the best option to replace Amorim.
The 44-year-old's personality and coaching qualities also impressed senior players during his time at United, even though Solskjaer is said to have the support of captain Bruno Fernandes.
As per Romano, Carrick is said to have impressed the likes of Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada with his ideas, tactics, intentions and his communication.
He used a 4-2-3-1 system at Boro and that is a formation that seems to suit this current United squad well, and it would allow Fernandes in particular to concentrate on a No.10 role rather than having to play deeper in midfield.
Ditching the five at the back - like Darren Fletcher has in his two matches in charge - is another way to get United fans who want to see their team play attacking football back onside.
Carrick Thrown in at the Deep End
Michael Carrick
Following disappointing results against Burnley and Brighton in Fletcher's two matches in charge, things will get no easier should Carrick be appointed this week.
Not only does the 44-year-old have to quickly improve a team that is clearly lacking quality and confidence right now, but he will have to try and start doing it against Manchester City in the derby at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime.
City are coming into the game second in the Premier League table and off the back of a 10-1 thrashing of Exeter City in the third round of the FA Cup, with new signing Antoine Semenyo - who United also wanted - scoring on his debut.
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