Michael Carrick has lost one of his opening eight matches in charge of Manchester United but still faces doubts over his permanent manager credentials

Patrice Evra has named Luis Enrique as a dream coach for Manchester United but believes Michael Carrick warrants the job permanently.

The former United defender has hailed Carrick after taking over interim charge of the club in light of Ruben Amorim’s sacking. Carrick, 44, has steered United into the driving seat for Champions League qualification after losing just one of his opening eight matches in charge.

Carrick is in position on an interim basis until the end of the season, but the debate rages on as to whether he should be handed the permanent manager’s role or if United should appoint externally.

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And when it comes to external candidates, Evra has expressed his admiration and love for Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique, describing him as the perfect person to take the Old Trafford hotseat.

I’m not talking to the Man United board or Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but in my honest opinion, with no disrespect to PSG or Nasser Al-Khelaifi, but Luis Enrique would be a dream coach for Man United,” he told Stake.

“I love the man, I love his philosophy, what he went through in his personal life and overcame it shows his personality.

“The job he’s done at PSG by bringing them a Champions League without Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe or Neymar, it’s a fantastic job.

“Players would have to work really hard to play for Man United, they’ll have to run a lot and I think Enrique would bring that.”

However, former French international Evra, also 44, has talked up his former teammate as he believes Carrick is deserving of a chance at the 20-time Premier League champions.

Evra said: “But, I don’t think we should write off Michael Carrick, he’s done a great job and we need to give him an opportunity.

“People want an amazing manager for Man United, but right now, we need someone who understands the club and the players.

“Enrique is a genius tactician and great with players, but I think Carrick deserves a chance.”

Carrick has faced doubts since he was installed on a temporary basis at the beginning of January.

After the likes of Erik ten Hag and Amorim failed to bring sustained success to the club, it was suggested that United should look to go for a high-calibre manager, with Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi and Oliver Glasner mooted.

However, the former Middlesbrough boss has made a superb start to life in temporary charge at Old Trafford. United sit third in the Premier League table, ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference, who have suffered a downturn in form after a strong season.

They also have a three-point lead over European challengers Chelsea and Liverpool, but their defeat to 10-man Newcastle United last week was the first blemish on Carrick’s stint as they failed to stamp their mark on the race for the Champions League.