Michael Carrick has moved into pole position to become Manchester United’s next caretaker manager.
The development comes as the club scrambles for stability following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim.
According to sources close to the process, talks are progressing quickly ahead of Wednesday’s training return.
An interim appointment is being prioritised, therefore urgency now defines decision-making at Old Trafford.
Carrick is currently viewed internally as the leading option on a “caretaker basis.”
However, no final confirmation has yet been issued by the club hierarchy.
United parted ways with Amorim on January 5 after just 14 months in charge. The decision was said to have been reached after mounting concerns over results and direction.
In the immediate aftermath, Darren Fletcher was handed short-term responsibility.
Meanwhile, results failed to calm nerves inside the club.
A Premier League draw against Burnley offered little relief. Furthermore, an FA Cup exit to Brighton on Sunday increased pressure on senior executives.
As a result, interim arrangements have been fast-tracked behind the scenes.
Sources say Carrick is now the frontrunner, ahead of both internal and external candidates.
Carrick is no stranger to sudden responsibility at United. He previously stepped in following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal in 2021.
During that brief spell, United recorded two wins and one draw. Those results were achieved before Ralf Rangnick’s interim appointment was finalised.
Moreover, Carrick’s deep connection to the club strengthens his appeal.
He made 464 appearances between 2006 and 2018 after joining from Tottenham.
After retiring, he worked under Jose Mourinho and later remained on Solskjaer’s staff.
That continuity is being seen as valuable during another unstable period.
Carrick’s only full managerial role came at Middlesbrough. He spent two and a half seasons in charge before leaving last June.
He guided the club to the Championship play-offs in 2022–23. However, narrow failures to reach the top six in consecutive seasons led to his exit.
Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has also held face-to-face discussions with United officials.
Despite this, Carrick is believed to be the preferred option at this stage.
The Manchester United caretaker manager decision is expected within 48 hours.
