Michael Carrick leads race for Manchester United interim role reports claim

According to media reports from Monday, Michael Carrick is the leading candidate to take on the role of Manchester Uniteds interim manager through to the seasons end.

BBC and Sky Sports indicated that negotiations between the 44 year old and the clubs leadership have advanced positively, with United aiming to finalise a decision ahead of the players return to training on Wednesday.

In 2021, Carrick enjoyed an unbeaten run across three matches as caretaker manager at Old Trafford.

The ex midfielder, who lifted 12 major honours over his 12 year playing tenure at United, became Middlesbrough manager in October 2022.

Carrick steered Middlesbrough into the Championship play offs during his initial campaign, yet was removed in June after ending 10th in the second division.

Manchester United has held talks with previous manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer concerning a potential return to the club.

The Red Devils parted ways with Ruben Amorim last week following a disappointing 14 month spell with the Portuguese coach.

Interim manager Darren Fletcher managed a 2-2 draw versus struggling Burnley in the Premier League alongside a 2-1 loss to Brighton in the FA Cup.

Uniteds early departures from both domestic cup tournaments, combined with the absence of European fixtures, will limit them to 40 games this season, the least since the 1914/1915 period.

The 20 time English title holders occupy seventh spot in the Premier League, merely three points shy of the top four and one point off fifth placed Brentford.

Achieving top four would secure Champions League entry, while top five appears sufficient owing to the impressive displays from English clubs in European tournaments this season.

United welcome local opponents Manchester City on Saturday, potentially marking Carricks opening match in the role.