Manchester United face a decision in the summer over whether to appoint a new permanent head coach or make Michael Carrick their boss full time, and the Reds icon has already made his stance clear

Michael Carrick has made no secret of his desire to take the Manchester United job on a permanent basis beyond the summer. The former midfielder has lifted the mood around Old Trafford since stepping in as interim head coach following Ruben Amorim’s departure in January.

Carrick has overseen five matches so far, guiding United to four wins, including impressive victories over Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham.

The club is still expected to wait until the end of the season to appoint a permanent head coach, and one candidate under consideration is Oliver Glasner, who has already announced he will leave Crystal Palace come the summer. It looks increasingly likely, however, he could depart a lot sooner.

Carrick, on the other hand, has been clear about his intentions and his desire to take United forward. In an interview with BBC Sport, he said: “It’s not a stock answer – for me, it’s the ultimate role. I’m really enjoying it, I love what I’m doing.

“I’m fortunate. I feel privileged to be in the position I am, but it’s not the fact that I believe I can do it and I’m here to do it. I said it when I came in – there’s the sentimental side of that, of understanding the role and coming through the club and being here and loving the club and being a supporter and all that side of it is one thing.

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“But, actually, I’m here to do a job now and to make a good team and be successful. I don’t decide how long that’s going to be but I love being here and and while I’m here, I’ll give everything I can.

“And I always plan for the long-term future for the benefit of the football club. That’s how I believe it should be.”

Carrick went on to emphasise how happy he is with his role at the club, adding: “I’m loving what I’m doing. Again, you know… really good people. The staff are fantastic, the players have been unbelievable.

“It’s a really good place to come in every single day – to drive in and look forward to being here. And then, obviously, around the city and globally, the reaction and the support that you get – it’s very hard to describe it. It’s incredible.

“So, yeah, I’m delighted to be here.”

United are back in Premier League action on Monday night (February 23) as they travel to Everton under the lights at Goodison Park (8pm kick-off). They remain unbeaten in their last five games.

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