An "intense" race is set to take place to determine Manchester United's next permanent manager this summer despite Michael Carrick's incredible start as interim boss.
Carrick delighted by dream start
Carrick hailed a superb start as Manchester United interim boss after a stunning derby victory over Manchester City on Saturday.
Second-half goals from Bryan Mbuemo and Patrick Dorgu capped a brilliant performance as the rejuvenated Red Devils inflicted further damage on City’s title chances with a deserved 2-0 win at Old Trafford.
Dorgu
It was Carrick’s first game since he was appointed head coach for the remainder of the season following the sacking of Ruben Amorim last week.
The former United midfielder said: “It is a great start, there is no getting away from that.
“Before the game, we coaches spoke and said the boys were in a good place. We were quite happy with how we prepared for it and emotionally where the boys were at.
“But City are an unbelievable team with talent and they change it, so you have to go to plan B and C and work around it.
“You never really know how the game is going to go but for it to pan out like that, the boys were fantastic in so many ways. To manage it emotionally and pull it together, yes, it was pretty good.”
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Michael Carrick's Man United dominated their neighbours to claim bragging rights in the Premier League.
The 44 year-old is effectively interviewing for the permanent job in real time, with United's quest to secure Champions League qualification perhaps determining his future.
The Red Devils leadership are simultaneously weighing other options however, and journalist Pete O'Rourke provided clarity on the situation on Sunday.
Carrick favourite but United seeking "elite" manager
Man United manager Michael Carrick
The reporter told Football Insider that while Carrick remains in the "box seat" due to his status as interim boss, INEOS are desperate to find an "elite" manager.
“Michael Carrick has got the job now and he’s in the box seat. If he does well who’s to say he doesn’t get the job on a full-time basis as well.
“Man United will be looking at all their options in the summer. Ideally they’re looking to bring in an elite manager who can get them back to where they should be.
“It’ll be an intense race to see who United go for, because there are a lot of other managers in their thinking at the moment as well.”
Several names have been linked with the role, but one man who will reportedly not take to the Old Trafford dugout is former England boss Gareth Southgate.
O'Rourke claims 55 year-old is not on United's shortlist, and the likes of Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Thomas Tuchel are more likely candidates.