Michael Carrick has impressed as Manchester United’s interim manager and he could be set to keep the job with summer transfers next on the agenda
06:58, 28 Apr 2026Updated 07:02, 28 Apr 2026
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United future beyond the end of the season remains unknown
The coming weeks represent the most crucial period of Michael Carrick’s managerial career as the Manchester United legend looks to continue his great work so far.
The 44-year-old stepped in to replace Ruben Amorim at the beginning of the year on an interim deal while the club was floundering. He has guided them into the top four of the Premier League with merely four matches remaining and Champions League qualification looking increasingly probable after a 2-1 win at home against Brentford on Monday night.
Despite his achievements in such a brief timeframe, Carrick’s destiny at Old Trafford remains uncertain, given United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has yet to offer him the role on a permanent basis. It is widely understood that club hierarchy have commenced their hunt for a new long-term manager, with Carrick also under consideration, reports the Mirror. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Managerial hunt ongoing
United chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are presently assessing contenders for the managerial role.
The Athletic reports the duo are spearheading the pursuit for the new United boss and will present their recommendation to Sir Jim at the conclusion of this campaign.
It’s understood they are presently carrying out background checks on the various contenders, amidst conjecture over whether Carrick will remain beyond this campaign.
Carrick, who stays among the hopefuls, held talks with Ratcliffe during the United co-owner’s trip to Carrington last week as part of the ongoing decision-making process that will shape his destiny.
Carrick commented on the visit: “He came in, we had a chat, we had a cup of tea. A casual chat to be honest, it was nice to see him showing his support, obviously. That was it. It was quite informal, but it was nice to see him.”
Lingard backs Carrick
Michael Carrick and Jesse Lingard together in their Manchester United playing days(Image: John Peters)
Former United favourite Jesse Lingard reckons the club should name Carrick as permanent head coach at the conclusion of this season.
Lingard, presently with Corinthians in Brazil, featured 55 times alongside Carrick for United before the ex-midfielder transitioned into coaching during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s managerial reign.
Lingard has now revealed to BBC Sport that Carrick’s transformative effect on the team’s fortunes makes him the ideal choice for the role.
The former England international commented: “I think they have come on leaps and bounds. Obviously, it can be difficult with different managers coming in and having different ideas and different personnel.
“But I think now they are really on the right track with Michael. I know him from my Man United days, I know how he operates and the lads are doing really well under him.
“I think so,” Lingard responded when questioned if Carrick should secure the job on a permanent basis. “He has the Man United DNA inside of him. He knows the ins and outs of the club. They are on the right track at the moment.
“The lads have taken to him really well. They are winning a lot of games, they will probably get Champions League this season which is amazing. So I think so, 100%.”
United’s ‘Ederson talks’
Manchester United are said to be interested in a move for Atalanta’s Ederson(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United are reportedly in talks with Atalanta midfielder Ederson’s representatives ahead of a possible summer transfer.
The Brazil midfielder is believed to have been on the Red Devils’ radar for some time and it’s said they are hoping to bring to the Premier League as a replacement for his compatriot Casemiro, who is leaving the club as a free agent in June.
According to GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs, Arsenal are also “keeping tabs” on the 26-year-ol defensive midfielder, who won the Europa League with the Serie A side in 2024.
He said: “Atalanta value Ederson around €50m (£43m) and MUFC have made contact with the player side. Manchester United are looking to sign two midfielders this summer with Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte potentially to be sold.”