Manchester United have officially opened discussions to name a new permanent head coach ahead of the upcoming season, and all signs point to Michael Carrick staying at the helm after a remarkable five-month turnaround.

Appointed as caretaker following Ruben Amorim's sacking, the former United midfielder was handed a monumental challenge: steer the club back into European contention. At the time, the Red Devils sat in sixth place, with players struggling to adapt to Amorim's rigid 3-4-3 system.

But Carrick wasted no time. With subtle tactical adjustments—most notably returning players to their natural positions—he transformed the squad almost overnight. The results speak for themselves: since his arrival, United have accumulated the most points in the division, secured Champions League qualification with three games to spare, and need just one more point to clinch third place—their highest league finish in three years.

According to The Sun, Carrick's representatives were at Carrington on Thursday for talks with the United hierarchy. While the specifics remain under wraps, the meeting signals that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe may be ready to greenlight the deal.

"Michael Carrick's representatives have held talks at Carrington as he closes in on becoming Manchester United's permanent head coach," the report states. "Formal discussions over contract terms are yet to begin, but the club's bosses have prioritized talks with Carrick, though they remain open to other candidates. With two games left in the season, the hierarchy wants to move quickly ahead of a crucial transfer window."

Director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada have reportedly led the push to endorse Carrick for the role on a permanent basis to Ratcliffe. For United fans, the prospect of a club legend—who already knows the dressing room and has proven his tactical acumen—steering the ship into a new era is an enticing one.