Michael Carrick is unclear on whether he will be made permanent manager of Manchester United (Image: Getty)
Michael Carrick revealed that he enjoyed a “casual” discussion with Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe last week as speculation mounts over his long-term position at the club. The interim boss remains unclear on whether he will be appointed permanent manager this summer.
Carrick has secured eight victories and two draws from his 12 fixtures since filling the position left by Ruben Amorim’s sacking in January. United sit in third place in the Premier League and are well positioned to qualify for the Champions League. But despite this success, United’s leadership have offered no clarity on whether Carrick will be awarded a new deal in the summer.
Ratcliffe, director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada have made it clear they will delay making a final judgement. Despite the silence surrounding the matter, the former United midfielder is the leading candidate for the position, though he maintains that such discussions were not raised when Ratcliffe visited Carrington last week.
“He came in. We had a chat. We had a cup of tea. Casual chat, to be honest, it was nice to see him showing his support, obviously,” Carrick said ahead of United facing Brentford on Monday night. “That was it. It was quite informal, but it was nice to see him. I think as a football club we’re hugely connected all the way through.
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“I think it’s a big part and I’m really conscious of that’s how it should be, and I am trying to do my part with that, as well as is everybody else. So, I’ve felt that since I’ve been here since January for sure.”
Carrick has been impressive since taking charge (Image: Getty)
The club have been linked with Andoni Iraola since he announced he will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season. However, it is understood that no discussions have taken place with any potential candidates, with those at the top determined to hold off until the campaign ends before reaching a decision.
Should United hand Carrick a long-term contract, the 44-year-old would retain his existing coaching staff. Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, Steve Holland, and Travis Binnion have made a considerable impression on the training ground, and Carrick has been full of praise for his hastily assembled backroom team.
“Even though we came together specifically for the role here, we’re all very clear in terms of what it looks like,” Carrick said. “It’s not something that we need to overly discuss, to be honest. I think we’re all on the same page.
The entire coaching staff have clicked (Image: Getty)
“We know it. It’s pretty obvious, you know. I keep saying the same things in some ways every week, but it is what is. We’re right, we’re fine with that, and the coaches are fine with that.
“Sometimes you connect with people and you get on and you work together and you work well. For me, it is all about people, whether that’s players or staff or supporters., family, whatever it is. I think connecting with people is really important to try and get the best out of each other.
“I have to say the staff have been absolutely top-class in different ways, different personalities, different roles. To come together in a coaching office that’s not much bigger than the desk, to be around the desk day in day out when it’s new and it’s fresh takes a lot of effort, but credit to everyone, it’s been all positive since we came together in January.”