Man Utd ready to open talks with Carrick over becoming permanent boss

Manchester United are ready to open talks with Michael Carrick about him continuing as head coach beyond the end of the season.

Formal discussions are expected to begin before United's final game at Brighton on May 24.

United's bosses have not completely ruled out the possibility of someone else taking charge for next season, and they have reached out to other possible candidates, but the club hierarchy has decided Carrick is the man they want to talk to first.

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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.

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

So, 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.

Nevertheless, United have been determined to hold a rigorous recruitment process rather than a coronation, and whilst there has been constant dialogue between Carrick and his bosses, formal talks over the terms of any contract have yet to begin.

But it is understood that this will happen within days, and it is thought there should not be any significant difficulty for the two sides reaching an agreement on the legal details.

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