Michael Carrick has made a strong case to be offered the Manchester United manager's job permanently when his interim spell comes to an end
Michael Carrick during Bournemouth vs Manchester United
Michael Carrick has made an impressive start as Manchester United caretaker manager(Image: AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
View Image
Manchester United's results under Michael Carrick have led for plenty of calls for the interim boss to get the manager's job on a permanent basis in the summer. However, few have discussed what the club would do if they offer him the job and he says no.
Carrick has been in charge for 10 matches, all in the league, since agreeing a short-term deal. A return of 23 points from those fixtures has helped lift United to third in the table with seven games left, six points clear of fifth-place Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification.
The former United midfielder described the Old Trafford job as the "ultimate role" in February. Still, that hasn't stopped pundit Tim Sherwood wondering aloud whether he might say no to a permanent deal.
HEREHERE.
"No one's asked Michael, he might say 'I don't want it'," Sherwood said on No Tippy Tappy Football. "I can't imagine he would but you just never know."
Sherwood also teased the idea of Carrick taking over at another of his former clubs, Tottenham. However, fellow pundit Sam Allardyce said it would be "the worst decision he's ever made" were Carrick to say no to United.
"It depends whether he wants to be a manager again or not, though," Allardyce said. "He might have had enough after what he experienced at Middlesbrough. Sometimes it's just not for you.
"You can't say he wouldn't want it now, surely. That would be the worst decision he's ever made in his life if he turns Man United down."
In February, Carrick gave the clearest indication yet that he'd be open to staying at Old Trafford beyond this season. "For me, it's the ultimate role," he told BBC Sport.
"I'm really enjoying it, I love what I'm doing. I'm fortunate. I feel privileged to be in the position I am, but it's not the fact that I believe I can do it and I'm here to do it.
"I said it when I came in - there's the sentimental side of that... of understanding the role and coming through the club and being here and loving the club and being a supporter and all that side of it is one thing. But, actually, I'm here to do a job now and to make a good team and be successful.
"I don't decide how long that's going to be but I love being here and and while I'm here, I'll give everything I can. And I always plan for the long-term future for the benefit of the football club. That's how I believe it should be."
United dropped points on Friday night away at Bournemouth, drawing 2-2 after Harry Maguire gave away a late penalty. They are still in control in the Champions League race, though, thanks to Saturday defeats for both Liverpool and Chelsea.