Manchester United are reportedly preparing to finalise their decision on the appointment of a new head coach before the World Cup begins.

According to reports, the club’s top management has moved closer to making a final call on the managerial position, with interim head coach Michael Carrick leaving a strong impression during his brief tenure.

In recent weeks, there has been considerable speculation about whether Manchester United's owners would continue with Carrick or pursue a more high-profile candidate, with several alternative names being discussed.

However, indications suggest that United’s leadership believes Carrick is the right person to lead the team forward. Chief Executive Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox are expected to propose in a meeting with Sir Jim Ratcliffe that Carrick be offered the job on a permanent basis.

A report from The Athletic claims that both Berrada and Wilcox believe the former Manchester United midfielder has demonstrated enough capability during his interim spell to justify being appointed as the full-time manager ahead of the next season.

Since replacing Ruben Amorim, Carrick has overseen 15 Premier League matches, securing 10 wins, three draws, and suffering just two defeats, successfully guiding the team back into the Champions League.

Whether Carrick can cope with the demands of managing a team competing in the Premier League, European fixtures, and two domestic cup tournaments remains an open question.

Nonetheless, the club hierarchy is convinced that Carrick has earned the opportunity following his successful return to Old Trafford, where he made 464 appearances as a player, winning five Premier League titles and one Champions League among other honours.

Manchester United hope that Carrick can bring long-term stability to the club after a series of managerial changes that have failed to deliver consistent success. Previous managers including Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag, and Ruben Amorim were all dismissed following disappointing spells, while former players such as Ruud van Nistelrooy and Darren Fletcher have stepped in as interim coaches in the past.

Carrick’s only previous full-time managerial experience came at Middlesbrough, where he transformed the team from relegation candidates in the Championship to a fourth-place finish and a play-off spot, although they were eliminated in the semi-finals by Coventry City.

In the following season, Carrick guided Middlesbrough to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup — their first appearance at that stage since the Teessiders’ triumph in 2004.

Manchester United are eager to confirm their decision on the managerial role before the World Cup to ensure a smooth summer transition and prevent uncertainty surrounding the club’s future direction.