Man United make key decision over Michael Carrick’s future

(PA)

Manchester United are eager to begin talks with Michael Carrick about appointing him manager on a permanent basis.

The former United midfielder has emerged as the club’s first-choice to take charge on a long-term basis following his excellent results in his interim spell.

United are expected to enter into discussions with Carrick, who is thought to be keen to take the job on a long-term basis, next week, with a desire to seek clarity over the future.

United have considered other candidates and not completely ruled out the possibility of appointing someone else, but Carrick is in pole position.

The 44-year-old has taken 33 points from 15 games during his time in charge, the most in the Premier League, and has secured qualification for the Champions League, with United on course for a third-place finish.

He has also revived the United career of Kobbie Mainoo, who has signed a new long-term deal, while, in a sign United were planning to keep Carrick, Harry Maguire, another regular in his reign, also got a new contract.

A series of United players have said they wanted Carrick to be appointed manager, including Amad Diallo, Matheus Cunha and Casemiro, with Mainoo saying they were willing “to die” for him.

After the 3-2 victory over Liverpool last week, Carrick said it felt “natural” for him to be United manager and that he loved his job, in his strongest hint he wanted to stay.