Manchester United's football leadership is prepared to recommend Michael Carrick as permanent head coach at an executive committee meeting this week, according to The Athletic. Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox back Carrick for the role and are set to formally present the proposal to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club's final decision-maker.

A formal offer has not yet been ratified, but all signs point toward Carrick remaining in charge. At United's Carrington training base, Carrick is already participating in planning sessions, and players and staff widely expect him to receive the job.

Carrick, 44, took charge in January for his second interim stint at Old Trafford, inheriting a side sitting seventh in the Premier League. United have since climbed to third, six points clear of Liverpool in fourth with two matches remaining, and secured Champions League qualification with a 3-2 win over Liverpool.

Following that victory, Kobbie Mainoo told Sky Sports: "We want to die for him on the pitch."

United had evaluated other candidates, including Andoni Iraola and Unai Emery, before arriving at their current position. Club executives chose to wait until Champions League qualification was confirmed before reaching a conclusion.

Transfer planning is already underway, and identifying the permanent manager is viewed as essential for recruiting this summer. Carrick is expected to address supporters after Sunday's final home match against Nottingham Forest.

Carrick previously served as United's caretaker following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal in 2021, going unbeaten in three matches before Ralf Rangnick was appointed. He spent nearly three years managing Middlesbrough in the Championship before returning to Old Trafford. As a player, Carrick made 464 appearances for United across 12 seasons, winning five Premier League titles and one Champions League.

While United lead the Premier League in points since Carrick was hired, the xG tells a slightly different story. United's xPTS over there period ranks them just seventh, according to Understat.