Manchester United are moving swiftly to confirm Michael Carrick as their permanent head coach ahead of Sunday's final home game of the season against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. The club aims to finalise the appointment before the match, allowing Carrick to address the fans afterwards.
Daily Mail Sport exclusively revealed earlier this week that Carrick is set to retain the role after United ruled out Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola. Representatives are believed to be in talks over a two-year contract, with an option to extend by a further 12 months.
United would like to announce that Carrick and his backroom staff are staying before the Forest game. Speaking on Friday, the 44-year-old said with a smile: 'The future for me is going to be decided pretty soon, we knew that. There's two games to go, and apart from that there's not much else to say. The situation is pretty clear for us all. It's the same as in preparing for the game.'
Reflecting on managing his former club, the ex-United midfielder added: 'It's a unique football club, a special club. I'm immensely proud to have come back and been a part of it. As a supporter and ex-player, to be in a position to come back and help and move forward was important. To make a big step, and be back in the Champions League is good. We're happy with the work we've done so far.'
Carrick confirmed he will make a speech to fans after the game, saying: 'I think that's important anyway. The supporters are a massive part of this club. We thank them for the season and the support – the last four months for me personally. Regardless of that, for what we've gone through and that connection, the players have felt that. It's important for me to thank the fans for that.'
Assistant manager Steve Holland is also set to receive a new contract. Carrick praised Holland's contribution since taking over in mid-January: 'Yes, he's been fantastic. He's got an awful lot of experience, and has seen pretty much everything before and gone through it in some good times and in some more challenging times. So he's a very wise man, Steve, and says things that really are important at the right time. I think just his general calmness and composure are around for everyone - for me and for my staff and for the players as well. I think all the stuff, the dynamics of bringing something a little bit different. Steve obviously is in that role where he's got the experience for us and for us to lean on.'
Sunday's game will also mark Casemiro's Old Trafford farewell after four years at United. Carrick believes announcing the Brazil star's departure shortly after he became head coach in January was the right decision. 'Since I've been here and met him and worked with him, he's been fantastic for us, for me personally, what he's given us,' added the United boss. 'The certainty helps, knowing the situation, for him and for us, for him to get in a place where he can give absolutely everything knowing it's going to come to an end. Credit to him for the way he's gone about that. He's fully invested, fully supported us as a staff in the performances he's given. He's had some ups and downs over the years, so to finish so strongly and see that connection with the supporters is great.'
