Manchester United executives have been holding off making a final decision on their next permanent manager, with Michael Carrick still holding the job on an interim basis

Michael Carrick will be handed the chance to become the permanent manager of Manchester United.

Carrick will open talks with club bosses next week about a new and improved deal to replace Ruben Amorim, who was sacked in January. United’s co-owners the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe believe Carrick has proved he deserves the job on a full-time basis.

Carrick has led United to Champions League qualification, following a run of just two defeats in 15 games since taking charge on an interim basis. It’s understood senior figures at Old Trafford held a conference call, before agreeing on Carrick’s appointment.

Other candidates have been discussed, including Thomas Tuchel, Luis Enrique, Julian Negalsmann and Unai Emery. But United know that luring one of these to Old Trafford would be unrealistic, for various reasons.

Both Tuchel and Nagelsmann are tied up until after the World Cup at least. While Enrique is not prepared to leave Paris Saint Germain, and Emery is keen to remain with Aston Villa.

It means Carrick is now in pole position to become United’s seventh permanent boss since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. And while Fergie has not been consulted during the process, it’s understood he approves of Carrick’s appointment.

Carrick will want assurances the club will do whatever it can to land their leading transfer targets this summer. But he has made no secret of the fact he would love the chance to lead the club back into the big time.

United are keen to get Carrick in place before the end of this month, so he can start planning for next season. Carrick has proved a hugely popular figure within the squad and has been the frontrunner for several weeks.

And Carrick’s imminent appointment is expected to result in captain Bruno Fernandes committing his long term future to United as well.