Michael Carrick has won seven of his 10 matches in charge of Manchester United since taking over from Ruben Amorim in January, but still doesn't know his long-term future
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick celebrates
Michael Carrick is in pole position for the full-time Manchester United job (Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
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Manchester United chiefs are reportedly yet to formally speak to any candidates about the permanent manager's job, in a clear boost for Michael Carrick's chances of landing the role.
Carrick has won seven, drawn two and lost one of his 10 matches in charge since being appointed until the end of the season to succeed Ruben Amorim. United are third in the Premier League and in a strong position to secure a place in next season's Champions League.
The ex-midfielder has stabilised the club after the bitter final months of the Amorim era and has put forward a strong case for the job. United director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are the two power brokers tasked with appointing the next manager.
They are under pressure to find the right person after the expensive Amorim debacle and are taking their time to assess their options. United have been linked with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner and Roberto De Zerbi, formerly of Marseille, as well as ex-England manager Gareth Southgate.
However, Sky Sports says that - despite being free to do so - United's hierarchy are yet to hold talks with any candidate for the job. They are understood to be relaxed about the situation and will wait until the end of the season before pushing ahead with the decision.
Carrick's main task was to secure Champions League football and he has done a fantastic job on that front, galvanising the players to move the team from sixth to third in the Premier League. He has taken 23 points from a possible 30 in the league and has seven more games to plan for. A decision will then be taken in the summer.
Sky Sports note that Thomas Tuchel signing a new contract with England and Carlo Ancelotti planning to do the same with Brazil has played in Carrick's favour. The 44-year-old has remained focused on the task and played with a straight bat every time he has been asked about the permanent role.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox watching Manchester United
Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox are yet to speak to prospective candidates(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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"I'm in this position at the moment, doing the best I can, and I'm loving it, obviously," he said in the build-up to Friday's 2-2 draw against Bournemouth. "But whatever's going to happen is going happen. It's all pretty calm. We can definitely enjoy the win (over Aston Villa) and look forward to Friday night. But other than that, that's all I'm thinking about really."
Wayne Rooney has been among the pundits to call on Carrick to be given the job. "100 per cent he should [get the job]," he told BBC Radio 5 Live recently. "I knew this was going to happen with Michael Carrick. I know him very well. I know his character and his personality.
"It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place. The players needed some love, and he has given them that. We have seen the players play with more quality, more together as a team, and they look like a very strong team. Why would you change?"
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