Carrick's Champions League Prize Isn't Enough: INEOS Set to Interview Multiple Candidates Despite Player Support

Michael Carrick has delivered the goods on the pitch—ten wins, two draws and two defeats from his opening 13 matches as interim boss, culminating in a 3-2 victory over Liverpool that sealed Champions League football for next season. Yet despite this impressive turnaround and backing from key dressing room figures, the Manchester United hierarchy appears determined to keep their options open.

Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Matheus Cunha have made their preferences clear, wanting Carrick to remain as permanent manager. The trio's support underscores the transformation in atmosphere at Old Trafford since Ruben Amorim's sacking. However, INEOS have signalled they intend to speak with multiple candidates as part of what they're framing as a thorough recruitment process.

Carrick currently holds talks with the board, positioned as a strong favourite for the role. Yet the club's insistence on interviewing other contenders suggests they're not about to hand him the job on the back of recent form alone—even with Champions League qualification in the bag.

The interim manager remains embedded in the club's recruitment planning for the coming campaign, a sign of the regard in which he's held internally. Reports indicate United had previously explored the possibility of involving Thomas Tuchel in their process, though the England manager's contract extension has ruled that avenue out.

Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique have been touted in the press as potential alternatives, though sources suggest Carrick's standing has strengthened considerably. The formalities of a formal decision remain pending, but the club's determination to cast a wider net hints that sentiment alone—however positive—may not be sufficient to settle the matter definitively.

The ball, as ever, remains very much in INEOS's court.