Man Utd open talks with Carrick over continuing as head coach

Manchester United have opened talks with Michael Carrick over continuing as head coach beyond the end of the season.

The club's hierarchy, director of football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada, believe he is the right man to continue leading Man Utd after an impressive 15 games having secured Champions League football and earning wins against Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea.

The former Manchester United midfielder has been the frontrunner for the role for some time now, with his bosses impressed by his popularity with the playing squad, his handling of the media, his inherent understanding of the heritage and size of the football club - but also, crucially, the results he has achieved on the pitch.

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In his 15 games in charge, Carrick has won 10 and drawn three, guaranteeing Champions League football for next season and a potential £100m boost to revenue as a result.

Carrick has delivered all that was asked of him and more, and in those circumstances, it was always hard to see how United could give the job to someone else.

Sky Sports News' Dan Khan at Carrington:

"It does feel like we're edging ever closer to Michael Carrick being confirmed as the head coach to take on Manchester United beyond the end of this season.

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"Talks are under way with the United hierarchy, led by director of football Jason Wilcox, CEO Omar Berrada, because they are very certain it seems at this point that Carrick is the right person to lead this Manchester United side on after the end of his contract, which goes to the end of the Brighton game next weekend.

"After this season ends, and you have to look at what Carrick has done in 15 games in charge, 10 wins, including impressive wins against the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, as well, but he's also revitalised so much of this squad, as well.

"Kobbie Mainoo, for example, was nominated for Young Player of the Year on Thursday. I know he has absolute buy-in from the playing squad. I think we've seen that throughout his time in charge, when they've had a few dips like the loss against Leeds a month ago.

"They then came back to win that game at Stamford Bridge, which I think was quite a big telling point."

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Gary Neville speaking about Carrick's future after the 3-2 win over Liverpool:

"He's put himself in pole position with what he's done. There are things that have emerged that will give Manchester United fans comfort that they are in safe hands.

"Manchester United need some stability. They've not had that for the last few years, but he will bring that in the sense that everyone trusts him.

"Fans like him, the players obviously like him. The owners will trust him. Next year, he's got 55-60 games with the Champions League, and surely they won't go out in the first rounds of the cup competitions. Then it's all a different level of management and scrutiny. It's a lot more challenging. Does he have the experience? Does he have the body of work to rely upon?

"Some people say: 'Why don't you give him a one-year contract and give him a further year to stabilise things further?' I don't think I can argue with that.

"But if a world-class manager became available who has won titles, Manchester United should probably pursue that route because the last five managers have not had that super club experience. Michael would be another who hasn't quite got that."