Man Utd's Four-Man Shortlist to Replace Michael Carrick Revealed
Michael Carrick has made a flying start as Manchester United's interim head coach but there is no guarantee he will get the job permanently, with the club still considering several options.
Former United midfielder Carrick, 44, was placed in charge of the team last month following the departure of Ruben Amorim, who was sacked after a disastrous 14 months at the helm.
United have enjoyed an immediate upturn in form under Carrick, who has guided the team to impressive wins over rivals Manchester City and Arsenal, as well as a dramatic 3-2 victory against Fulham at the weekend.
But despite his 100 per cent record, Carrick could yet to be replaced at the end of the season - with United's hierarchy taking their time to consider all options.
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After sacking Amorim, club insiders told the BBC they planned to run a 'proper process' during which they would assess all suitable candidates for the role.
The BBC report that nothing has changed and that several managers are likely to be being considered along with Carrick.
England boss Thomas Tuchel spoke to United both before and after the 2024 FA Cup final, amid the uncertainty over former manager Erik ten Hag's future at Old Trafford.
United eventually opted to keep Ten Hag before sacking him in October, with Ruud van Nistelrooy placed in temporary charge of the team before Amorim's appointment.
Tuchel is under contract with England until the end of the 2026 World Cup this summer and could join United after the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, appointing the former Chelsea boss could disrupt United's pre-season preparations, with the German only out of contract with England at the end of July.
United have also been repeatedly linked with former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, who is now in charge of the US national side.
Pochettino was considered for the role before Ten Hag's appointment and after his sacking, but United opted for alternative options on both occasions.
The BBC report that Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti and Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann are two other 'highly regarded coaches likely to be on United's radar'.
In addition to that four-man shortlist, there are several other names who have been linked with the United job including Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, former England boss Gareth Southgate and PSG head coach Luis Enrique.
Carrick, meanwhile, will hope his winning run continues he looks to stake a strong claim for the job on a permanent basis.
United next face Spurs at Old Trafford on Saturday and calls for Carrick to get the job full-time will no doubt grow if he secures a fourth consecutive victory for the Red Devils.
However, the former Middlesbrough boss is taking things one step at a time.
Speaking earlier this season, he said: "We're realistic about where we are at the moment, why I'm here.
"That doesn't change how we go about it in the day-to-day and the focus and making decisions for the long term.
"All I can control is what we give the players and how we create the atmosphere around the group. We'll see what happens after that."
Topics: Michael Carrick, Football, Premier League, Man Utd
Rory O'Callaghan