Manchester United are set to appoint Michael Carrick as their new interim manager, taking over from Darren Fletcher following the sacking of Ruben Amorim last week
Michael Carrick
Cristiano Ronaldo has previously spoken highly of Michael Carrick as he closes in on the Man United appointment(Image: PA)
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Cristiano Ronaldo has already made his feelings clear about Manchester United managerial contender Michael Carrick, who has now emerged as the favourite for the interim role. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had previously been the frontrunner after holding talks with club chiefs, a move that would have marked his return after his dismissal in 2021.
More talks were held on Monday as chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox aim to finalise an appointment. Carrick appears poised to win the race and could be appointed within the next 48 hours.
The club eager to give their new manager time to prepare for the derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday lunchtime.
Carrick stepped in after Solskjaer's dismissal in November 2021, overseeing a Champions League win in Villarreal, a home victory against Arsenal, and a draw with Chelsea.
While Solskjaer had initially been the favourite to take over from interim manager Darren Fletcher, it's said that senior stars in the squad rejected the Norweigian's return.
According to The Mirror, the players made it clear they had little confidence in Solskjaer and preferred Carrick to lead them for the rest of the season.
United icon Solskjaer managed the club from 2018 to 2021, ultimately being dismissed after winning 54% of his 168 games in charge.
Ahead of Carrick's appointment, Ronaldo had already spoken highly of his former Reds teammate.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick previously coached Cristiano Ronaldo during his spell as Man United's caretaker manage(Image: Getty Images)
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Back in December 2021, Ronaldo wrote on X: "Michael Carrick was a class act as a player and he can become a great coach as well.
"Nothing is impossible for this guy. Personally, I'm proud to have played with him by my side as well as with him as a manager on our bench."
Carrick has been out of work since his dismissal by Championship side Middlesbrough in June. The expectation is that he will take charge of his first training session on Wednesday, ahead of the Manchester derby against City.
United have won only one of their last seven matches in all competitions.
Fletcher has taken charge of the 2-2 draw with Burnley and the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton on Sunday.