United have explored alternative candidates, but Carrick has consistently been viewed as the favourite for the position and has earned support from several members of the squad, former players and Sir Alex Ferguson. The ex-Middlesbrough boss has overseen a notable improvement in atmosphere and performances, with Champions League qualification confirmed with three matches to spare.
With two Premier League fixtures left, a home match with Nottingham Forest on Sunday and a visit to Brighton, United are also poised to secure a respectable third-place finish ahead of Liverpool and Aston Villa.
It promises to be a busy summer at Old Trafford, with both arrivals and departures expected as Carrick begins putting his own stamp on the squad. Here’s a round-up of the latest United news…
Mikael Silvestre has urged United to avoid repeating past errors by refraining from handing Carrick a lengthy contract. The former Old Trafford defender supports Carrick securing the position permanently, but believes he ought to be offered no more than a two-year arrangement.
The Frenchman remains conscious of the compensation the club has been forced to pay a string of dismissed managers. Silvestre told Betpack: “It doesn’t make sense to give long contracts to managers because they stay 15 months to two years most of the time. You had Pep [Guardiola], had [Jurgen] Klopp, [Mikel] Arteta [who stay at clubs long term] but other than that, there is a big turnover.
“You should start with a short contract, not a long one, and then see how it goes because there is so much fragility. You even have transfers of coaches now.
“Ruben Amorim was under contract at Sporting, so a contract doesn’t really mean a lot. It’s expensive when you have to sack. Ruben was expensive. Erik ten Hag‘s contract and then you let him go, so it’s better to start with the smaller one and then increase it if everything goes well.”
Cut-price Casemiro replacement
United have been quoted in excess of £100million for several of their summer midfield targets. Nevertheless, one quality midfielder, who could plug the gap left by the departing Casemiro, is likely to be available for less than half that figure.
United are said to be intent on securing a transfer for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who could be made available by the Italian club for approximately £43million this summer. Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi is bracing himself for interest in the 26-year-old.
He said: “I think it’s unlikely that teams will make a move before the end of the season. Interest in our players is normal, but we’ll evaluate them at the right time with great serenity and calm.”
The Serie A outfit are willing to sanction a sale with the intention of reinvesting the funds and bringing fresh blood into their ageing midfield.