Nottingham Forest can ruin Michael Carrick’s party as appointment edges closer

Nottingham Forest will take on Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, on a day that could see Michael Carrick appointed permanently.

The former Middlesbrough manager has been in charge on an interim basis since January, replacing Ruben Amorim after he was dismissed.

Man United have improved dramatically under Carrick, winning 10 of their last 15 Premier League games and securing Champions League football for next season.

There had been some doubt over the 44-year-old’s permanent appointment, but there is now a feeling that a decision is near.

Nottingham Forest have clinched Premier League safety already this season, but they will hope to finish the season positively under Vitor Pereira.

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Former chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider last week that Man United are certain to appoint Carrick in the coming weeks.

Decision-makers will hope to finally come to the right decision in the dugout, after a string of managerial mistakes.

Carrick’s team have beaten Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool since his appointment, and have certainly looked like a team full of confidence under the Englishman.

But next season will see the Englishman tested with the Champions League and the cup tournaments to think about as well, instead of just one competition.

BBC Sport reported on Wednesday that Carrick’s appointment will be suggested to Sir Jim Ratcliffe this week, with the decision close to being made.

The announcement could even be made before Sunday, with the manager set to speak to the home fans at Old Trafford.

Carrick's Reds are on the march ✊ pic.twitter.com/u6DCK2epHh

Nottingham Forest will hope to spoil the party and secure their second consecutive win at the iconic stadium.

Nottingham Forest have had a resurgence under the management of Pereira, who arrived on an 18-month contract in February.

The 57-year-old has overseen eight wins in 18 games since his arrival, losing just one of the last 12 across all competitions.

Vítor Pereira has been nominated for the @PremierLeague's April Manager of the Month award. 👏

Nottingham Forest may have even got to the Europa League final after taking a 1-0 lead into the second leg of the semi-final, but were beaten by Aston Villa at Villa Park.

But there have been suspicions that Pereira’s job may not be completely safe. Owner Evangelos Marinakis is no stranger to sacking a manager, and Pereira’s time at Wolves blew up spectacularly when he was kept on last summer.

The Nottingham Forest manager will hope that a strong end to the season will be enough to convince decision-makers of his ability to lead them forward.

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