When Michael Carrick was named Manchester United's head coach on a short-term basis in January, the club made clear it would keep an open mind about the permanent role. But what began as a temporary fix has become the obvious long-term solution.
Rúben Amorim's spell at Old Trafford had not gone to plan, yet there remained much to play for when Carrick took charge. Under the 44-year-old, United's season was rescued: what once looked like a remote hope of Champions League qualification has been transformed into a realistic target. If United avoid defeat against Nottingham Forest on Sunday they will finish third — a position that seemed improbable when Carrick arrived.
United's originally open-minded search for a new manager quickly narrowed to one candidate. Carrick's rapid and convincing impact left the club with little alternative. Critics might argue there were other options, but his results and the mood around the squad made him the clear choice.
This outcome had been possible since late January, just 12 days after Carrick replaced Amorim and succeeded former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in interim charge. Early on he had already overseen a win against Manchester City — a result
