It is currently a matter of time until Michael Carrick is officially charged with being the latest rabbit in the headlights at Manchester United.
The senior figures leading the managerial recruitment process, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, are convinced and will recommend the former midfielder for the role in the coming days and weeks.
Other candidates remain in the frame, but nobody has impressed Berrada and Wilcox enough to persuade them to overlook what Carrick has achieved in steering this faltering giant back into the Champions League.
There were dream targets, Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique being the ultimate pick, but of the attainable options, Carrick is deemed the best fit.
The days of United being able to attract anyone they wanted are long gone.
Formal talks will begin shortly, only after one person in particular can be completely assured over the 44-year-old’s credentials.
Gravitas important for the owner
Carrick’s appointment could be confirmed before the end of the season (Photo: Getty)When Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a minority stake in United, one of the many business-focused mantras he was keen to get across was that appointments in senior positions had to be the “best in the class”.
Before Ruben Amorim was hired, Ratcliffe was a fierce proponent of then England coach Gareth Southgate, someone he saw as having the global footballing persona and fluid public speaking acumen to lead a sporting behemoth like United.
Amorim was hardly the biggest name, but his honest and fiery approach to the media, where he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind, while also keeping the gravitas of being United manager in mind, sat well with the Manchester-born billionaire.
The Portuguese coach said the right things behind the scenes early on, too, which is why Ratcliffe persevered with Amorim longer than many would, given the disastrous form on the pitch
Ratcliffe has been buoyed by United’s uptick in results since Carrick took charge – no team has taken more Premier League points in that time.
Where he isn’t quite won over is with personality. Carrick is comfortable enough in the media spotlight, but doesn’t really give much away, in terms of insight or passion.
Ratcliffe wants the manager to have the character to match the size of the club. It is unlikely to be a sticking point enough to overrule Wilcox and Berrada, who Ratcliffe entrusted to identify the next candidate, but it is understood to have dampened the co-owner’s enthusiasm.
Player power still has a sway
Bruno Fernandes has given the interim boss his public backing (Photo: Getty)Whoever you ask around Carrington, first-team regulars or those on the periphery, there is unanimity.
Mason Mount insisted he “likes the way Michael works” in a recent interview with The i Paper. Matheus Cunha claimed Carrick has the “Fergie magic”, while captain Bruno Fernandes hailed the interim coach’s attempts to champion togetherness.
Carrick and his close-knit team of coaches have really enhanced the feelgood factor, with the mood in the camp as buoyant as it has been for many years.
Ineos has made a point of making the right signings in terms of personality to compliment the playing talent, which has helped create an impressive widespread bond, with no cliques.
Senior sources suggested it would be somewhat foolish to go against so many senior players’ wishes.
Backroom staff equally impressive
Steve Holland was Gareth Southgate’s right-hand man for eight years (Photo: Getty)Steve Holland is starting to develop something of a cult following at Old Trafford.
Having someone of his experience and enthusiasm has been a welcome addition, with sources insisting the assistant coach has played as big a part in United’s success under Carrick as the interim boss himself.
What has been so unusual for a short-term appointment is how Carrick already has a full coaching staff in place. Not just assistants, but first team coaches already gelling with players.
Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion come as part of the Carrick package. There would be no bedding-in process that could have a detrimental effect on results early in the season, effectively writing off yet another campaign before it had even begun.
Signing up Carrick includes a backroom staff who have forged relationships with the club’s shiny new data department, one who are in regular consultation with the recruitment team, ahead of what promises to be a huge summer in the transfer market.
Fits perfectly into the Ineos structure
Former coach Ruben Amorim was not very good at managing upwards (Photo: Getty)What got Amorim sacked in the end was what had earlier earned him a stay of execution: his mouth.
Once you clash with the director or football over power, there is only going to be one winner. It is unlikely Carrick would repeat the same mistake.
Carrick is more than happy to take a backseat in recruitment and overall vision. If he has to play a certain way, then so be it. That is what he has been doing since he walked in the door.
It is not clear what Carrick’s tactical approach will be long-term, as he hasn’t had the opportunity to showcase it. Should he get the role on a permanent basis, we will get a better indication of his philosophy.
There will be no Amorim-esque insistence on a back three, however. Carrick’s style of play could come to the fore and bring great success. If it doesn’t, and the powers that be insist he changes his tactical approach, Carrick would be more than willing to toe the company line. Keeping everyone important happy.
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