Michael Carrick and Manchester United have reached a ‘broad agreement’ over a deal to become the club’s permanent head coach.
The former United midfielder has outperformed expectations since replacing the sacked Ruben Amorim in January, steering the club into the Champions League places in short order.
He initially signed on a deal until the end of the season, but United’s renaissance has forced the club to reconsider their stance.
A two-year deal with the option of a further season is reportedly on the table and the Press Association understands a broad agreement has been reached, which could potentially be wrapped up before Sunday’s Old Trafford encounter against Nottingham Forest.
Per The Athletic, formalities surrounding contract particulars for Carrick and his backroom staff are yet to be ironed out.
United were also known to be interested in Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, both of whom will become free agents at the end of this season.
The Red Devils’ move to appoint Carrick can be read as a boost for Chelsea, who Standard Sport understands are also keen on appointing Iraola and now face less competition for his signature.
Speaking earlier this week, Carrick told reporters: “Listen, the future for me is going to be decided pretty soon. We knew that was going to be towards the end of the season, if not the end of the season, so nothing’s changed.
“There’s no big swing on that, that is what it is, and obviously whatever’s beyond that is pretty close round the corner anyway.”
In his playing days, Carrick racked up 464 appearances and five Premier League titles with United.
The club must still face Nottingham Forest and Brighton in their final Premier League matches of the season, though they have little to play for after already qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Various players, including Kobbie Mainoo and soon-to-depart Casemiro, have publicly thrown their support behind Carrick as a candidate for the permanent job.
Additional reporting: Press Association
