Carrick the Clear Front-Runner as United Weigh Permanent Manager Options

Michael Carrick finds himself in a commanding position to become Manchester United's permanent manager, according to the latest assessment from transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

The former United stalwart was drafted in as interim boss at the turn of the year following Ruben Amorim's departure, initially on a short-term arrangement through the summer. Yet his remarkable revival of the club's fortunes has fundamentally altered the narrative around his future.

Since arriving in January, Carrick has steered United to nine victories in 13 matches, a run that has virtually secured Champions League football for next season. That transformation has completely reset the mood music at Old Trafford, with players, supporters, and the boardroom all reinvigorated by his presence.

Whilst Bournemouth's departing manager Andoni Iraola has been touted in certain quarters as the "strongest candidate," Romano's latest insight suggests the pendulum has swung decisively toward continuity. Iraola, keen to remain in the Premier League and manage a top-flight outfit, continues to attract interest from multiple English clubs, but United's internal assessment currently favours their existing solution.

"Michael Carrick is in a strong position," Romano explained. The feeling around the club regarding the interim boss is "super positive," with the Champions League qualification he's delivered proving the decisive factor in his favour.

United will nonetheless complete their formal review process before making any announcement official. That due diligence remains ongoing, but Carrick's trajectory suggests the formality will merely confirm what seems increasingly inevitable.

On another matter, Romano has also dismissed any possibility of a reversal on Casemiro's exit. The Brazilian midfielder will depart when his contract expires this summer—that decision, Romano stressed, remains unchanged despite speculation to the contrary.

Inter Miami have been actively pursuing a deal since March and remain engaged in conversations. The MLS club continues to represent a genuine possibility, though Saudi interest has also registered. Yet barring an extraordinary development, Casemiro's United chapter closes in the coming weeks.