Michael Carrick is getting closer to becoming appointed Manchester United manager after coming to a broad agreement with the club over a two-year deal.
United have offered the 44-year-old a contract until 2028, with the option of a further season, after Carrick emerged as their top choice to replace Ruben Amorim on a permanent basis.
Talks are ongoing with Carrick and his backroom staff but his appointment could be announced on Sunday, when United face Nottingham Forest.
Carrick, who said after beating Liverpool that it felt “natural” for him to be United manager, had stated on Friday that his future was “pretty close” to being settled.
The former Middlesbrough manager was not initially seen as the favourite to be in charge next season when he returned to Old Trafford in January.
But since then, United have taken the most points in the Premier League, with 33 from 15 games, and have qualified for the Champions League, leading to Carrick being shortlisted for the division’s manager-of-the-year award.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has given his approval after Carrick has impressed chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox during his four months in interim charge.
Carrick, appointed in January on an interim basis, previously addressed speculation over taking on the job permanently.
“I can’t blame you for asking [about my future],” he admitted during pre-match press conferences. “There’s two games to go, apart from that there’s not much else to say, probably what you expect. The situation is pretty clear for us all. Same as in terms of preparing for the game.
“It’s a unique football club, a special club. I’m immensely proud to have come back and been a part of it, to help as a supporter and ex-player, as a pure supporter caring about the club so much to be in a position to come back and help and move forward was important. To make a big step, and back in the Champions League is good, we’re happy with the work we’ve done so far.”
