Michael Carrick has the backing of the Manchester United squad to become the head coach on a permanent basis, according to first-team stars Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo.
The 44-year-old former United midfielder has enjoyed a successful short-term tenure since taking over from Ruben Amorim – and then briefly Darren Fletcher – in January.
He has guided the Reds to seven wins, two draws and just one defeat against Newcastle in his 10 matches in charge, all in the Premier League. United are currently third in the top flight, on course to clinch one of the likely five Champions League spots for next season.
Carrick successfully fought off former United boss and legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after a rigorous interview process for the interim job in January, and has made it clear he would like the role on a full-time basis come the summer.
It seems he has also earned the trust of his players, which will no doubt influence decision-making by the United hierarchy in the coming weeks and months.
Amad Diallo, who has appeared in all 10 of Carrick’s games in charge and started eight, said: ‘Obviously, it’s not for us as players to decide his future but he’s been great.
‘He’s done so much for the team, he has a lot of experience, he knows the club, he has been in the house.
‘We think he’s the right man and we’re really happy for what he’s doing right now.
‘We have had a good experience with him, playing under him, it’s not for us to decide but we are going to try and take as much as we can from him.’
Asked if the manager situation was a topic of discussion in the dressing room, Amad replied: ‘Like I said before, he knows the club, he played for the club, he has great experience to manage this club.
‘He’s been here not too long but he’s done very well. His relationship with every player is very good and sometimes you need this kind of manager to bring the club to where they belong.
‘From a personal view, he’s the right man but it’s not the players who decide.’
United have travelled to Ireland for a three-night stay at Carton House Hotel, just outside Dublin, as they step up preparations for Monday’s visit of Leeds United to Old Trafford.
The trip forms part of an ‘intensive’ training camp organised by the club’s hierarchy, with the change of environment aimed at keeping the squad sharp ahead of the crucial clash.
A combination of the international break, FA Cup elimination and the Monday fixture has left supporters facing a 24-day gap between matches.
Speaking from Ireland, Amad added: ‘I think the club will decide at the end of the season but my honest opinion is we are really happy to have Michael Carrick as manager that’s it.
‘Since he arrived in the club he’s been clear he wants to win, he wants to reach the Champions League next season and he has been working with each player.
‘So he is working really well and we are really happy to have him as manager.’
Securing Champions League football will certainly reinforce his case to CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, who are keen not to rush into naming the next boss.
Mbeumo, 26, added: ‘He (Carrick) knows the way of the club. He knows how to talk to us as well.
‘And I think it’s been easier because he knew the house, so it has been great to work with him.’
Meanwhile, United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have also backed Carrick to take the permanent job. Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast: ‘I think he’s put himself in a much better position.
‘I’m not going to say it’s easy to win games now because it isn’t, but it’s easier to win games now after what he came into: a manager (Amorim) who didn’t do great who was trying to put round pegs in (square) holes.
‘The big question will be the first 10–15 games of next year when you have to win games. (Playing in) Champions League, the league – that’s when it becomes a proper job for him.
‘We won’t know if Michael is the right choice until – people say two or three years – but I think you’ll probably know next November.’
Butt added: ‘For me, if you don’t give it to Michael, then who are you giving it to? I don’t think there’s anybody who is jumping out going “that’s the man”.
‘That’s why I think he’ll get it. Number one I think he’s doing a good job, he knows the football club. Even more importantly I think the people above him will like working with Michael, he’s not going to cause them too much of a headache, he’s not going to start being a Mourinho.’
Scholes concluded: ‘Sometimes managers just look right. Looking at Michael and the way that he handles himself, he just looks right, doesn’t he? The big test will be next November, but I think Michael can handle it.’
