Michael Carrick's tenure as Manchester United's interim manager has been nothing short of a revelation, and after securing Champions League football with a crucial victory over arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford, the former midfielder has opened up about his future in the hot seat.

Since taking over in January, Carrick has transformed United into the Premier League's form team, masterminding wins against every top-six side—including Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa. That impressive run culminated in last Sunday's win, which guaranteed a top-five finish and a return to Europe's elite competition.

Yet despite these remarkable achievements, Carrick remains characteristically calm and measured about his own position. "Listen, clarity is important," he explained. "I think moving forward, it's coming a time, at the end of the season, where I think we finish strong and put ourselves in a good position. Obviously, the situation of my role and what it looks like moving forward... it's always spoke about towards the end of the season, so nothing's really changed, to be honest."

The 42-year-old's focus remains firmly on the players and the task at hand. "We've got eyes on finishing the season strongly," he emphasized. "I understand the question, I understand the timing of it, but from my point of view, right at this stage, it's just putting the boys in a place to finish the season strongly."

When pressed on whether he expects to be named permanent manager, Carrick was refreshingly honest: "As I've said all along, and I'm calm about it, it'll get sorted out when it's going to get sorted out. Some of it's out of my hands, so we'll see what happens."

For United fans, the Carrick conundrum is a welcome one—a manager who has exceeded all expectations, yet remains humble enough to let his work speak for itself. Whether he stays or goes, one thing is certain: he's given the club a blueprint for success that any permanent successor would be wise to follow.