Carrick is the favorite to take over as interim manager of Manchester United.

Michael Carrick is a step away from being appointed as the interim manager of Manchester United, a decision that could be made official before the players return to training on Wednesday. Sources close to the process reveal that negotiations with the 44-year-old former player are progressing, raising expectations among the team’s supporters.

Carrick, who had a brief stint as interim manager of the team in 2021, where he achieved two wins and a draw in three matches, is seen as a logical choice following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, who left the club after 14 months in charge. The former coach, who also held talks with the club’s management last Saturday about a possible return, sees the situation at Old Trafford changing rapidly.

Amorim’s departure occurred on January 5, and Darren Fletcher, a former midfielder for both United and the Scotland national team, has taken temporary charge of the team. However, his brief tenure did not start well, culminating in a defeat in the third round of the FA Cup against Brighton, which could make his time as interim manager even shorter. Fletcher also led the team to a draw against Burnley, who are struggling in the Premier League.

Carrick, who had an impressive playing career, making 464 appearances between 2006 and 2018, was initially signed by Sir Alex Ferguson from Tottenham. Since leaving Middlesbrough in June, where he managed the team for two and a half years, Carrick has been inactive. In his last year in charge, he led Boro to the Championship play-offs, but the team was ultimately eliminated by Coventry in the semi-finals, leading to his departure.

Despite having less experience compared to Solskjaer, who had a long tenure as manager, Carrick has a solid background at the club, having started his coaching career on José Mourinho’s staff at the end of the 2017-18 season. Following the Portuguese’s departure, he remained as first-team coach during Solskjaer’s reign, accumulating extensive experience.

Manchester United fans are eagerly awaiting official confirmation of Carrick’s appointment, which, if selected, will see him take on the challenging task of restoring stability to the team at a time when pressure is high and expectations continue to rise.