Gary Neville backs Manchester United to mount Premier League title challenge soon

Despite his bullishness about United’s title prospects, Neville stopped short of declaring Carrick the right man to deliver them.

The Sky Sports pundit floated the possibility of a bigger managerial appointment down the line, suggesting the current head coach could use the next campaign to establish strong foundations before the club reassess.

“If he beds the foundations in over another year — good principles, good culture, the club happier again, the staff trusting him — you could then go and make a bigger appointment,” Neville added.

Carrick was appointed on an interim basis in January and has overseen nine wins from his opening 13 Premier League matches in charge.

United currently sit third in the table and have secured a return to the Champions League — a development that would significantly strengthen the club’s hand in the summer transfer window.

Neville’s comments arrive at a delicate moment for the club, with questions over Carrick’s long-term status yet to be formally resolved by the board. Whether he is given the opportunity to build towards the title challenge Neville envisions remains to be seen.