Michael Carrick has refused to rule out becoming Manchester United's permanent head coach at the end of the season, with the interim manager insisting the club has not become 'soulless'. Carrick was appointed on Tuesday to oversee the final 17 games of the campaign, replacing Ruben Amorim after Darren Fletcher's brief two-match stint.
The 44-year-old, who played for United for 12 years and previously served as a coach, indicated he wants his return to be long-term. 'I'm here because I enjoy the role and I wanted to do it and I'm hugely privileged to be in this position,' he said. 'It doesn't change whatever the term or whatever the length.' No discussions have taken place with chief executive Omar Berrada or director of football Jason Wilcox regarding his future.
United are assessing several candidates for the permanent role, including Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, Roberto De Zerbi, Andoni Iraola, and Oliver Glasner. Carrick acknowledged the club's turmoil but rejected claims it has lost its magic. 'I certainly don't think it's soulless,' he said. 'There's a magic around this place.'
Addressing confidence issues ahead of Saturday's visit from Manchester City, Carrick said: 'It's funny, confidence, because you can sometimes get it from a moment or a situation and all of a sudden it sparks.' United are seventh in the Premier League, three points off fourth-placed Liverpool.
Carrick shrugged off criticism from Roy Keane, who on a podcast suggested Carrick's wife might be doing the team talk. 'It doesn't bother me,' Carrick said. Meanwhile, Casemiro's contract includes a one-year extension clause triggered by 35 starts; he has made 18 so far this season.
