Carrick in talks over two-year Man Utd contract

Michael Carrick is in negotiations over a two-year deal to become the head coach on a permanent basis at Manchester United. Senior United figures have decided Carrick is the right man to take over. At a news conference on Friday, the 44-year-old said there should be a resolution on his future "pretty soon".

An announcement before Sunday's final home game of the season against Nottingham Forest is not being ruled out. The contract is likely to contain the option of an additional year. Carrick said, "The future for me is going to be decided pretty soon. We knew that." Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox recommended Carrick's appointment to minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Most players have backed Carrick for the job, with the majority of fans also believing he has earned the right to be given the role after winning 10 of his 15 league games in charge to secure a place in next season's Champions League. United need one point from their final two matches to be certain of a third-place finish. Carrick has been named on a six-man shortlist for the top-flight manager of the season award.

Carrick confirmed 34-year-old Brazil midfielder Casemiro will be available for his Old Trafford farewell. Carrick said he intends to follow the tradition started by his former boss, Sir Alex Ferguson and address supporters after the Forest game. He said, "That's important anyway. The supporters are a massive part of this club. We thank them for the season; the last four months for me personally. Regardless of that, for what we've gone through and that connection, which the players have felt, it's important for me to thank the fans for that."