Michael Carrick is close to being appointed Manchester United’s head coach on a permanent basis after being offered a two-year contract.
The deal, which includes the option of a further 12 months, could be concluded before United face Nottingham Forest on Sunday lunchtime, providing the clarity the club desire going into a busy summer.
United were sixth when Ruben Amorim was sacked but performances and results improved under Carrick and they sit third, six points above Liverpool with two games remaining. The former midfielder has overseen 10 wins in 15 Premier League matches in interim charge and secured a return to the Champions League.
Carrick said on Friday that his future would become clear “pretty soon”. His achievements have earned recognition from the chief executive, Omar Berrada, and director of football, Jason Wilcox, who want him to stay on. “There’s two games to go; apart from that there’s not much else to say,” a smiling Carrick said. “The situation is pretty clear for us all. Same as in preparing for the game. It’s a unique football club, a special club.
“Immensely proud to have come back and been a part of it, as a supporter and ex-player. As a pure supporter, to be in a position to come back and help and move forward was important. To make a big step, and back in the Champions League is good, we’re happy with the work we’ve done so far.”
Regardless of whether the contract has been signed, Carrick will address the supporters after Sunday’s match. “That’s important anyway – the supporters are a massive part of this club,” Carrick said. “We thank them for the season and the support, the last four months for me personally. Regardless of that, for what we’ve gone through and that connection. The players have felt that.”
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Casemiro has recovered from the injury that ruled him out at Sunderland, allowing him a Old Trafford farewell. Carrick said: “Since I’ve been here and met him and worked with him, he’s been fantastic for us. He’s had some ups and downs over the years but to finish so strongly and see that connection with the supporters is great.”
The Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt has undergone back surgery to address a problem that has ruled him out since November. The Netherlands international is due to return early next season.