Carrick replaced Amorim earlier this year.
The manager who walked into Old Trafford in January to steady a sinking ship is now the frontrunner to take the job permanently. Michael Carrick, appointed interim head coach on January 13 after Ruben Amorim was shown the door, has transformed United’s season almost beyond recognition.
They sit third in the Premier League table, need just two more points to secure Champions League football, and have accumulated more points than any other top-flight side in 2026. The case for keeping him on writes itself.
Carrick has remained typically understated about his own future. Before Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford, he acknowledged that discussions are taking place but was careful not to position himself as the one driving them. “I want the best for the football club,” he said, adding that any decision should be about long-term planning rather than short-term results.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed INEOS are very happy with his work and his relationship with the squad, while Benjamin Sesko and Jesse Lingard have both publicly backed him for the role.
Iraola in the Frame as United Vow to Run a Full Process
The complication, as of April 30, is Andoni Iraola. The Telegraph reported on Thursday that the outgoing Bournemouth manager has emerged as the leading alternative, with United strongly admiring his attacking philosophy and his Premier League track record.
Iraola, who leaves the Vitality Stadium when his contract expires this summer, guided Bournemouth to ninth last season and has them seventh this term on an unbeaten run of 14 games, a new club record. He is also on Chelsea and Crystal Palace’s radar, and CaughtOffside report that Chelsea have already made initial contact with his representatives, giving them a head start.
United insist the process will be thorough and that no formal decision on Carrick has been made. One source close to the club was blunt enough to warn against another Solskjaer situation. For now, Carrick is the favourite, Iraola is the most credible alternative, and Old Trafford waits.Copy Article Text