Michael Carrick is reportedly the clear favourite to become the permanent manager of Manchester United this summer.
Michael Carrick has completely transformed the mood within Old Trafford since taking charge as their interim boss back in January. With the club flying high under him and Champions League football almost a certainty, the 44-year-old is now the front-runner for the Manchester United job, according to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider.
Following their impressive 1-0 win over Chelsea last time out, Carrick is the out-and-out favourite to become their next permanent manager. While there were some doubts about him being the right guy for the job, the former United midfielder has proved himself time and again.
Manchester Carrick took charge of his former club mid-way through January. The Red Devils were struggling, and finishing in a Champions League spot did not seem like a possibility. However, things have been very different under him. They have won eight out of their 12 league games and have only lost twice.
On the back of this run, they have climbed up to third on the table, and Champions League football is well within their reach as they are ten points clear of 6th-placed Chelsea with just five games to go. The Red Devils did hit a rough patch under Carrick, when they won just one out of four league games. Defeats to Leeds United and Newcastle raised doubts about the 44-year-old being the right choice.
Michael Carrick is the front-runner for the job
However, he has managed to silence all that noise by defeating rivals Chelsea last time out. The game was of great importance in the race for a UEFA Champions League spot, and with a win, Manchester United are now in a very comfortable position. On the back of it, Carrick is now the leading candidate for the job.
Apart from the tactical side of things, he has managed to get the influential players on his side with his man-management skills, and it has done the trick for the 44-year-old.
While speaking about the United job, O’Rourke said, “He’s still in the box seat for me, Michael Carrick, he’s done a really good job since replacing Ruben Amorim. When he took over, most people didn’t expect Man United to be in contention for a Champions League finish, and they’re now well-placed to achieve that.
“It’s in their own hands, and they are confident they can clinch a place in the Champions League, which will be a major financial boost for them as well. Carrick has done a great job throughout the club, he’s got the players back onside including some of the big names there who are enjoying playing under him.
“I would still say he’s clear favourite for the role, but I don’t think United will be rushing into making anything that will look at all options and that remains the case right now.”
Since sacking Ruben Amorim, Manchester United have maintained the stance that they won’t make any decision on their new manager until the end of the season, and it remains the same. While they continue to assess other options, Carrick is certainly the leading candidate following his impressive work.
