Agreement imminent: Man Utd at ‘final stages’ of most important deal of the summer – Fabrizio Romano

Michael Carrick has agreed a new contract with Manchester United to manage the club into the 2026/27 season and beyond.Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news in question Friday evening, with the Englishman set to add a minimum of two years on to his current terms.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYThis follows the former Middlesbrough boss overseeing the Red Devils’ return to Champions League football in the 2025/26 campaign.Michael Carrick will be Manchester United’s next permanent managerIt’s the right decision to reward the man who steered United away from midtable obscurity under Ruben Amorim, back in the fight around the top of the table.Romano confirmed that while a deal has yet to be officially sealed with Carrick, there is plenty of movement in the right direction, with negotiations ‘at the final stages’.“Breaking news, it’s now confirmed, decision made – Michael Carrick will be Manchester United manager also next season and beyond,” the reliable Italian journalist spoke on X (formerly Twitter).“It’s a here we go, decision made … now approved by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe … everyone at Manchester United wants, and will have, Michael Carrick staying at the club.“Next season and beyond. Michael Carrick will be Man Utd permanent manager, now negotiating a new contract, two years plus one, three years… Carrick said yes to the new contract at Man Utd. Negotiations are at the final stages.” 🚨 Michael Carrick will stay as Manchester United head coach. 🔐 pic.twitter.com/dVzyvldoZM — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 15, 2026Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustThe difference to Ruben Amorim’s ill-fated reign at Old TraffordHow quickly things can change in less than a year!Under Ruben Amorim’s stewardship, this United side was averaging 1.48 points per game (across all competitions).But fast forward to Michael Carrick’s appointment as interim boss back in January, and the subsequent surge up the Premier League table, and the Red Devils are now averaging 2.2 points per game. Ruben Amorim stats Michael Carrick stats 8 wins 10 wins 7 draws 3 draws 6 defeats 2 defeats 1.48 points per game 2.2 points per game * Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick’s managerial tenures at Manchester United compared across all competitions (Transfermarkt)Has it been a perfect spell at the helm? No. But bear in mind that the 44-year-old has only had Amorim’s squad to work with.No new signings, no pre-season to establish new principles. Just the immediate expectation and overbearing pressure that comes with the Manchester United job.Let’s be absolutely clear on this: Carrick has excelled in less-than-ideal conditions, albeit with some serious talent at his disposal. But, critically, utilised correctly.Don’t get us wrong, United could do with addressing certain key areas in the upcoming summer transfer window.But whatever happens in the window, we’ve already made the most important signing of the summer – and that’s been appointing the right man for the best job in world football.