Manchester United close to confirming Michael Carrick as permanent head coach

• Carrick has secured Champions League football

• Two-year deal and option of further 12 months

Michael Carrick is close to being appointed Manchester United’s head coach on a permanent basis after being offered a two-year contract. The former midfielder has overseen 10 wins in 15 Premier League matches in interim charge and secured a return to the Champions League.

The deal, which includes the option of a further 12 months, could be concluded before United face Nottingham Forest on Sunday lunchtime, providing the clarity the club desire going into a busy summer. United were sixth when Ruben Amorim was sacked but performances and results improved under Carrick and they sit third, six points above Liverpool with two games remaining.