Manchester United are on the verge of confirming Michael Carrick as their permanent head coach, with the former midfielder poised to sign a new contract that will extend his stay at Old Trafford beyond his current interim role.
The direction has been clear for several weeks, according to multiple reports, following Carrick’s impressive interim spell in charge. Club executives have formally recommended the 44-year-old to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has approved the plan as part of the footballing strategy led by INEOS. A new deal is expected to be signed in the coming days, bringing stability to the managerial position.
The proposed contract is understood to be for an initial two years with the option to extend by a further 12 months, though a straight three-year agreement remains possible. Sources close to the situation indicate there are no doubts over Carrick’s commitment, with the coach having already signalled his clear intention to accept and sign the contract.
Carrick stepped into the role earlier in 2026 on an interim basis and has overseen a significant turnaround in fortunes. He has guided the team to Champions League qualification for the first time in three seasons, winning the majority of his matches in charge and earning a nomination for Premier League Manager of the Season. His leadership has drawn praise from within the squad, contributing to a renewed sense of purpose at the club.
Senior figures including CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are said to have reached a strong consensus on Carrick as the right man to lead the team forward. With the recommendation now approved at the highest level, formalities around the contract are advancing quickly. An official announcement could arrive as early as this weekend, potentially ahead of United’s upcoming home fixture.
