Manchester United find an option to keep Carrick in charge while keeping their options open

Manchester United's interim manager, Michael Carrick, could be offered a short-term deal, according to local reports. There's no rush at Old Trafford to make a final decision on who will lead the club next season, but the options for the board are dwindling. Initial reports suggested that the Red Devils' hierarchy wanted to bring in a proven manager with Premier League experience to take charge from the upcoming season.

Names like Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, and Julian Nagelsmann were mentioned, alongside English-based managers such as Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola, as well as PSG's highly successful Luis Enrique. However, most of these options have fallen through, and possibilities are shrinking. Tuchel has already re-signed with England, and Ancelotti is close to a new agreement with Brazil. Nagelsmann is inclined to remain at the helm of Germany until Euro 2028 and doesn't want to decide his future before the end of the upcoming World Cup. Reports indicate that Luis Enrique is also likely to commit long-term to the Parisian club soon. Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner remain potential candidates, but the inconsistent results of Crystal Palace and Bournemouth raise serious questions about whether they are at the level required for a club as big as Manchester United.

For these reasons, Old Trafford is increasingly considering retaining Carrick on a short-term contract for a 'one plus one' year deal. The former midfielder has performed exceptionally well at the helm of the Red Devils, recording seven wins, two draws, and only one defeat in his ten matches in charge so far. The team has displayed stable football, and the manager's demeanor is appealing to the board. His chances of staying in charge will significantly increase if the team achieves its goal of qualifying for the Champions League. A one-season offer with an option for an additional year is considered a good option by the management, as it ensures the club won't be in a situation where it has to pay substantial compensation in case of an unsuccessful season and a parting of ways. It also keeps open the management's options to appoint a more prominent coach if an opportunity arises at a later stage. Meanwhile, it is believed that Carrick himself would eagerly accept such an offer, keen to prove himself in the long term before negotiating a more substantial contract.