Neville Confirms INEOS' Stance on Carrick: Club Won't Rush Into Manager Decision

Gary Neville has lifted the lid on where Manchester United stand regarding Michael Carrick's long-term future at Old Trafford, offering insight into INEOS' thinking as the interim boss continues to impress in the dugout.

Since taking over from Ruben Amorim, Carrick has engineered a remarkable turnaround. Four consecutive Premier League victories—against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham Hotspur—have transformed United's Champions League hopes and sparked genuine debate about whether he deserves the job on a permanent basis.

The Red Devils' latest success came courtesy of a commanding 2-0 triumph over a depleted Spurs side, further fuelling the narrative that Carrick should be considered for the role beyond this season. Yet Neville has now revealed that the club's hierarchy is taking a far more measured approach than the growing groundswell of support might suggest.

Speaking on his podcast, Neville explained that he sought clarity directly from the club's decision-makers. "I asked what the official position is in terms of what they're saying publicly," he said. "I have to say I thought their answer was pretty good."

That answer? United have already begun the process of identifying and vetting alternative candidates. The club is conducting thorough research and analysis, building comprehensive data on potential successors. Crucially, however, they've made clear they won't allow results over the coming weeks to dictate their timeline.

"They're not going to be bounced into making an appointment, irrespective of wins or draws or losses," Neville confirmed. "They're going to wait until towards the end of the season."

This represents a pragmatic stance from INEOS—one that acknowledges both Carrick's impressive current form and the need for comprehensive planning. The club recognises that managerial recruitment demands proper due diligence rather than emotional reaction to a hot streak.

Neville also speculated on Carrick's own thinking. The former midfielder, he suggested, is precisely the type of character who would put the club's interests first. Whether that means stepping aside to allow an external appointment or throwing his hat into the ring alongside other candidates remains to be seen.

"If Michael makes himself available at that point, he would go into a process like any other recruitment role in the country," Neville said. "He'd be considered alongside the likes of Thomas Tuchel and others who'll become available in the summer. I think that's fair."

For now, Carrick's focus remains on the pitch. With four wins under his belt and a genuine pathway to Champions League football still within reach, the coming months will prove decisive—both for United's season and for the conversation surrounding their manager's future.