Manchester United will open formal discussions with Michael Carrick with a view to appointing him as permanent head coach.

The 44-year-old’s success since taking the role on an interim basis in early January has impressed Jason Wilcox, the director of football, and the chief executive, Omar Berrada. After replacing Ruben Amorim, who was sacked on 5 January, Carrick has earned 33 points from 15 Premier League matches, the most of any team in the division.

Carrick has lifted United from seventh to third, securing Champions League qualification. His side need a point from their final two games to confirm third place.

Carrick has also restored the feelgood factor at Old Trafford, with players and fans supportive. He has made Kobbie Mainoo first choice again, after the midfielder did not make a Premier League start this season under Amorim, and a calm media persona has been the antithesis of his predecessor, who could be emotional when speaking publicly. This has convinced the hierarchy that Carrick is the prime candidate, with talks to decide the potential length of his contract, and its terms, rather than his suitability.

Wilcox and Berrada are not thought to be concerned about Carrick’s relative inexperience at elite level. By the end of the season he will have managed United in 20 games – 17 this term and three during his previous caretaker spell in November and December 2021. Carrick’s success means he has not yet faced a slump in form, but this is not a concern for the executive.