Man Utd next manager search takes massive twist as concerns over shortlist emerge

Manchester United have enjoyed a turnaround in form since Michael Carrick was named as interim boss, with calls for the former midfielder to land the job permanently

Michael Carrick is now firmly in consideration to be named the next permanent Manchester United manager.

The former England international was hired as Ruben Amorim’s replacement last month, with the initial idea for him to take charge for the remainder of the season.

It was then expected that United would target a permanent successor for Amorim, with a number of high-profile candidates in the mix.

However, Carrick has enjoyed a highly impressive start to his spell in the dugout picking up 13 points from a possible 15, beating Manchester City and Arsenal in the process. And that form could yet force United bosses to rip up their plans, with the Sun reporting that he is very much in the mix.

Old Trafford chiefs have been hugely impressed by his calm approach and his dedication to the academy. Carrick made the 300-mile round trip to Oxford in midweek to watch United’s youngsters progress in the FA Youth Cup.

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United have also seen other candidates drop out of the running since the start of the year. England head coach Thomas Tuchel has admirers in the Red Devils boardroom, but he has extended his contract beyond this summer’s World Cup and until 2028.

Roberto De Zerbi was another name linked with the permanent job, but has seen his stock plummet after being sacked by Marseille. There are also doubts about whether the Italian’s combustible nature would suit what United are after.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has also seen his reputation damaged in recent weeks. Having guided Palace to the FA Cup last season, he was one of the most sought after candidates in the Premier League.

However, his time at Selhurst Park has rapidly deteriorated since announcing he will leave in the summer, with fans calling for the Austrian to be sacked early.

There are also concerns over Glasner’s proclivity to play the 3-4-3 formation which caused so many issues during Amorim’s tenure.

That has all combined to help Carrick’s case, although he will need to maintain the upturn in form to truly be considered the front runner.

Speaking earlier this week, Carrick admitted that he would be honoured to get what he described as the ‘ultimate role’ on a permanent basis.

He told the BBC : "It's not a stock answer - for me, it's the ultimate role. I'm really enjoying it, I love what I'm doing. I'm fortunate. I feel privileged to be in the position I am, but it's not the fact that I believe I can do it and I'm here to do it.

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"I said it when I came in - there's the sentimental side of that... of understanding the role and coming through the club and being here and loving the club and being a supporter and all that side of it is one thing. But, actually, I'm here to do a job now and to make a good team and be successful.

"I don't decide how long that's going to be but I love being here and and while I'm here, I'll give everything I can. And I always plan for the long-term future for the benefit of the football club. That's how I believe it should be."

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