Manchester United are reportedly ready to open talks about Michael Carrick continuing as manager beyond the end of the season and will soon begin formal discussions with their interim boss.

Carrick has enjoyed a superb spell at Old Trafford since taking the reins in January.

United have collected 33 points in that time, the most in the Premier League, with their upturn ensuring a return to Champions League football next season.

Still, Carrick’s long-term future at the club has remained a doubt despite his excellent record.

The likes of Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner will both be available come the end of the season, when they will leave their respective jobs at Bournemouth and Crystal Palace.

While United may be tempted by the prospect by luring a manager of that calibre to the club, they now appear to be willing to give Carrick the chance to prove himself long-term.

Indeed, Sky Sports News reported on Wednesday that United are ready to begin discussions, with formal talks due to take place before their final game of the season against Brighton and Hove Albion on May 24.

Carrick, who previously served as United interim boss in 2021, has only had one permanent manager’s job in his coaching career, taking charge of Middlesbrough from 2022 to 2025.

He led Boro to a fourth-placed finish in the Championship in 2022-23, however, they lost in the play-off semi-finals to Coventry City. Boro then finished outside of the play-off places in each of Carrick’s two subsequent seasons.

Having won 10 of his 15 games in charge, Carrick appears to be a perfect fit for United. Should he be appointed as permanent manager, the challenge will be to maintain that form while handing the considerably more challenging fixture list that comes with European football.