Man Utd executives will recommend Michael Carrick appointment in meeting with Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Carrick Poised to Be Offered Permanent Manchester United Head Coach Role
Manchester United’s football leadership are set to back Michael Carrick for the permanent head coach role at an executive committee meeting this week. Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox believe Carrick is the right man to lead United into next season and are prepared to present the proposal to Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The Glazer family, who own the majority of shares, are comfortable with Ratcliffe taking charge of football matters. Ratcliffe remains the ultimate decision-maker, and while the plan has not yet been formalised, all signs point to Carrick staying in charge.
The move would clear the way for talks with Carrick. At Carrington, he is involved in planning meetings, and there is a clear expectation among players and staff that he will land the job.
United have weighed several options, with Andoni Iraola and Unai Emery among those considered. Staff have carried out background checks on multiple candidates. Executives had hoped to wait until the end of the season to decide, but with Champions League qualification secured, the discussion is being advanced. Transfer planning is already underway, and being able to tell potential recruits who they will play for is seen as a crucial part of the process.
Carrick’s impact on the squad has been significant. Following United’s 3-2 victory over Liverpool that sealed Champions League qualification, match-winner Kobbie Mainoo told Sky Sports that they want to “die for him” on the pitch. In the week leading up to the fixture, The Athletic reported Carrick met with Ratcliffe, who was said to be showing his support.
The 44-year-old Carrick returned to Old Trafford for a second interim spell in January, taking over from Ruben Amorim after United’s two games under Darren Fletcher left the side seventh in the Premier League—11 points and five places behind rivals Manchester City. Since his return, United’s fortunes have improved markedly, and they are now third, six points above Liverpool with two games remaining.
After early exits in domestic cup competitions and no European football due to last season’s 15th-place finish, United will play in the Champions League for the first time since the 2023-24 campaign, when they did not progress past the group stage.
Carrick previously managed United in a caretaker capacity after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking in autumn 2021. After two wins and a draw, he left as Ralf Rangnick was appointed on an interim basis for the remainder of the season. Before returning to Old Trafford, Carrick spent just under three years at Middlesbrough, guiding them from 21st to fourth in his first season.
