According to British media, Manchester United is preparing to appoint Michael Carrick as interim coach until the end of the season.
The club hopes to make an official announcement soon, with the expectation that Carrick may start participating in training sessions at Carrington on Wednesday. In fact, Carrick was present at the training center on Tuesday, as the whole first team was given a day off after the defeat to Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup.
Negotiations between the two sides have also been accelerated. On Monday, Carrick had another exchange with CEO Omar Berrada and Football Director Jason Wilcox, following the first direct meeting held last Thursday.
Previously, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also worked with Berrada and Wilcox on Saturday, but the Norwegian coach is said to have lost to Carrick. Sources from Man United also denied opinions that Solskjaer was once the number one candidate for this position.
According to British media, M.U's leadership leans towards Carrick because he is considered a close, dedicated coach and has a clearer mark on the training ground. During the period Solskjaer led the team (2018-2021), he often assigned most of the coaching staff directly to Kieran McKenna (currently coach of Ipswich Town) and Carrick.
The source also said that Carrick's personality and coaching ability once made a strong impression on the group of veteran players. The former England midfielder was also well-liked by some key players in the club.
If the agreement is completed, this will be Carrick's second time leading M.U. In November 2021, Carrick held the team for 3 matches, before Ralf Rangnick was appointed.
Currently, discussions about Carrick's coaching staff are still ongoing. Jonathan Woodgate, who used to support Carrick at Middlesbrough, is one of the names mentioned. In addition, Carrick's brother, Graeme, is also expected to take on a role in the coaching staff.