Whitwell drops seismic Man United update on Weds morning that will dictate the summer window

Michael Carrick is now ‘in line’ for the permanent Manchester United job, according to Laurie Whitwell.The interim manager’s stellar record since joining mid-January is poised to see him rewarded with a long-term contract. 🚨 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 PLAYINEOS make Michael Carrick first-choice to manage RedsWhitwell has issued the blockbuster update this morning, adding that INEOS chiefs Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox are of the belief that Carrick is the ‘right man’ to take charge of the club.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustThey will then put forth their ideas to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who will have to sign off on the final decision. Yet, as things stand, all signs are pointing towards the former midfielder being in the dugout for the start of 2026/2027.How Carrick has fared managing his former clubHis record after matchweek 36 stands at 10 wins, three draws and two losses. 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, 2026This has included triumphant victories over Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool, the latter of which set in stone that United would be finishing in the Champions League places.With the transfer department already stepping up their attempts to secure their summer targets, it’s thought that being able to tell them who they’ll be actually playing under is an ‘important aspect of the process’.United did their due diligence by making ‘background checks’ on alternative candidates, such as Andoni Iraola and Unai Emery, but have been swayed by Carrick swiftly fulfilling his task of qualifying for the UCL.Prior to his Old Trafford return at the beginning of 2026, he spent three years managing Championship outfit Middlesbrough from 2022 to 2025.Read more: Journo — Man Utd now ‘exploring’ surprising contract extension for forgotten Red who’s ‘invaluable’ at the club