Michael Carrick refused to be drawn on speculation that he is poised to be offered the Manchester United job on a permanent basis but did admit he expects his future to be decided ‘pretty soon’.
The former United midfielder has impressed since succeeding Ruben Amorim on an interim basis back in January, winning 10 of his 15 games at the helm. That run of form has lifted the Red Devils from seventh to third in the Premier League standings, with United already assured of a return to the Champions League next year.
Suggestions that the 44-year-old would be entrusted with the role on a full-time basis have intensified since United clinched qualification for the Champions League. Reports emerged earlier this week outlining that Carrick was to be recommended to Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the preferred candidate in the search for a new permanent head coach.
And while Carrick was questioned over his future ahead of Manchester United’s game against Nottingham Forest this weekend, the former Middlesbrough chief was giving little away.
“There’s two games to go, apart from that there’s not much else to say,” he said during his press conference on Friday. “The situation is pretty clear for us all. Same as in preparing for the game.
“It’s a unique football club, a special club. Immensely proud to have come back and been a part of it, as a supporter and ex-player, as a pure supporter 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.
“The future for me is going to be decided pretty soon, we knew that. Nothing has changed, there is no big swing on that.”
View 2 ImagesCarrick has turned United’s season around(Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA, Getty Images)
United play their final home game of the season on Sunday when they host Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. While it remains to be seen if Carrick’s future will be wrapped up by then, he confirmed he will address supporters on the pitch post-match.
“I think that’s important regardless of the situation. The supporters are a massive part of this club. We thank them – and I certainly thank them – for the season and the support, the last four months for me personally,” he said.
“Regardless of that [his future], for what we’ve gone through and that connection, the players have felt that, it’s important we have that anyway.
“It’s important for me to thank the fans for that.”
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