Michael Carrick continues to put himself in strong contention to be named as Manchester United's next permanent manager.
There would have been some question marks over the 44-year-old when he was named as interim boss until the end of the season in January, but he has immediately proved any doubters wrong.
He started his reign at Old Trafford with wins against Manchester City and Arsenal, the top two in the Premier League, before winning five of his following seven matches after the trip to the Emirates.
It means that Carrick has led United to 22 points from a possible 27 available in charge, meaning they top the Premier League table since he was appointed as Ruben Amorim's temporary successor.
Behind Arsenal and City, United are in pole position to secure Champions League football for the first time since 2023, with Sunday's 3-1 win against fourth-placed Aston Villa leaving them in third, six points above sixth-placed Chelsea.
A top-five finish is expected to guarantee Champions League qualification for next season, with the Red Devils in the strongest form in the division with eight matches left to play.
Carrick in Contention for Man United Job
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick applauds the supporters
With performances and results so good right now, and how he has rejuvenated players like Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro in recent weeks, Carrick has to be one of the leading candidates to be the club's next permanent manager.
According to GIVEMESPORT sources, United are also considering other contenders ahead of the summer, including two managers set to appear at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Portugal's Roberto Martinez and Germany's Julian Nagelsmann are potential targets, while the out-of-work Roberto De Zerbi is also of interest following his success in the Premier League with Brighton and Hove Albion previously.
Recent links have emerged with Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Enrique, who continues to show why he is one of the best managers in the world at the Parc des Princes.
United Legends Disagree on Carrick Appointment
rio ferdinand paul scholes
Despite the impact he has made and how well United are performing right now, some of United's biggest legends of the last 30 years can't agree on him being the right choice to be the club's next permanent manager.
It is two of United's more recent legends who are backing Carrick to get the job, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.
Rooney believes that if Carrick delivers the all-important Champions League football for the Red Devils next term, which would in turn change their summer transfer plans, then he has to get the job.
Ferdinand believes there aren't many better options than Carrick on the market at the moment and that no one would arrive without risk attached, suggesting the club should go with the former Middlesbrough boss.
It isn't the consensus among United legends though, with Paul Scholes suggesting Carlo Ancelotti would be a better choice, given his experience.
Roy Keane also believes that United must appoint the best manager they can get and has listed three managers who would be better than Carrick in Thomas Tuchel, Diego Simeone and Luis Enrique.
Similarly to Keane, Gary Neville believes that United have to pick the best in class as their next boss, in order to take the club back to where they belong.
How Would Michael Carrick Fare Next Season?
Michael Carrick
GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT to predict how Carrick and United would fare next season if they secured Champions League football, and this is what it said:
'If Michael Carrick took charge of Manchester United with UEFA Champions League football, expectations would rise slightly—but still not to title-winning level.
'Carrick’s structured, possession-based style could make United more consistent, especially in big European games where control matters.
Likely outcomes:
Premier League: 3rd–5th (stronger top-four chance)
Champions League: Round of 16 to quarterfinals
Domestic cups: One deep run, outside shot at a trophy
'Overall, they’d look more cohesive and competitive, but still a step below Europe’s elite unless recruitment significantly upgrades the squad.'