Sources: Man United close in on next manager appointment - 'It will be...'

Manchester United are closing in on the permanent appointment of Michael Carrick ahead of the summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The decision has come following a seriously impressive interim spell in which he has turned around their inconsistent form and qualified for the Champions League.

Currently sitting third in the Premier League table, United have shifted their ambitions, and the board are believed to be delighted with the interim boss’ progress.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, United have dropped out of the race for other suitors, with Carrick now set for a long-term deal.

They have considered multiple options since Ruben Amorim’s departure, with many calls from outside to look elsewhere, but Carrick will be Man United’s next permanent manager.

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Football Insider revealed last month that Carrick is the strong favourite for Man United having proven his abilities during his interim spell at Old Trafford.

Wins against the likes of Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool have proven he can compete, while further backing in the summer should solidify his position.

Man United have been extremely pleased by their performances under Carrick’s management, and they are prepared to snub other candidates to land him.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “It’s an open race for Andoni Iraola’s signature for next season.

“There’s been a lot of talk that Crystal Palace want him to be the man to succeed Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park.

“He’s in the frame for the Chelsea job as well. He’s among the contenders for that.

“He was linked to the Man United job but it seems that one has moved on and it will be Michael Carrick who gets that job on a permanent basis.

“Iraola was a name on their list, but they’ve decided Carrick is the one they want to move forward with after what has been an impressive interim spell.”

Despite it having been expected for a while that Carrick would land the permanent job, United have assessed a number of potential options for the vacancy.

Andoni Iraola was a standout name on their radar after he announced he would be leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season, but he now looks set to move elsewhere.

Football Insider revealed on 3 May that Crystal Palace are pushing to land Iraola, while Chelsea are also strong admirers of the Spaniard.

Meanwhile, other names on United’s list included the likes of Julian Nagelsmann and Mauricio Pochettino, both of whom will manage at the World Cup this summer.

They will remain focused on their work with Germany and the USA respectively, with returns to club management considered unlikely at this time.

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