‘Set to open talks’: Romano provides blockbuster Thursday morning Man Utd update, ‘next step’ decided

Fabrizio Romano has verified reports that Manchester United are ‘set to open talks’ with Michael Carrick regarding the managerial vacancy.It comes after Laurie Whitwell revealed yesterday that the interim boss had emerged as Jason Wilcox’s and Omar Berrara’s first-choice candidate to lead the side into 2026/2027 and, hopefully, beyond. 🚨 Michael Carrick in line for permanent Manchester United head coach job, with recommendation being made by football leaders to executive committee, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Set to pave way for talks on new contract ⬇️ #MUFC https://t.co/zud9EkIAr5 — Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) May 13, 2026DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYMichael Carrick: The state of playCarrick is said to be ‘open and excited’ by the prospect of managing his former club on a permanent basis, having dedicated 12 years of his playing career to the Red Devils.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustThe ‘next step’ will be getting Sir Jim Ratcliffe on board to ratify the decision, after which it will be a case of crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s on his contract. 🚨 Manchester United are also set to open talks with Michael Carrick over new contract. It’d be the next step when Sir Ratcliffe procees to approve the decision to continue with Carrick, as @lauriewhitwell reported. Carrick open and excited. 🎥 https://t.co/REB6JrMrpJ pic.twitter.com/iXShkkR1in — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 14, 2026INEOS did their due diligence by considering alternative options, namely Andoni Iraola and the experienced Unai Emery.The former will be leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season when his terms expire, although it looks as though he’s Selhurst Park-bound, with Oliver Glasner also preparing to move on from Crystal Palace.Why Carrick is now the favourite to take charge of United long-termUnited chiefs have been impressed by Carrick swiftly fulfilling the task assigned to him: qualifying for the Champions League.His record in the dugout throughout this spell now stands at 10 wins, three draws and two losses, and he has made United one of the most in-form teams in the Premier League since taking charge in mid-January. Michael Carrick has done an incredible job at @ManUtd 👏 No side has taken more points since he returned to Old Trafford in January 🔝 pic.twitter.com/c6quPbeXv9 — Premier League (@premierleague) May 3, 2026The Englishman, who previously gained experience managing Middlesbrough for three years, has secured triumphant victories over arch-rivals Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool, making it no surprise he has the backing of the majority of the Old Trafford faithful.