Michael Carrick says Manchester United’s head coach wants to see improvement and further progress as he looks ahead to next season.
The 44-year-old has agreed terms in principle to remain at Old Trafford after an impressively short spell.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday that the appointment had been “approved by Sir Jim Ratfliff” and that a two-year contract with an option for a third year would be signed shortly.
Carrick was appointed for the remainder of the season following Ruben Amorim’s departure in January and made a remarkable turnaround, with United qualifying for the Champions League with three games in hand.
The former midfielder could seal a deal before Sunday’s final home game of the season against Nottingham Forest and is excited about what the group can achieve in the upcoming season.
“Certainly, you always have to aim higher,” Carrick says. “I think that’s the beauty of soccer and the beauty of competition: achieving something and backing it up and making it better. I think that’s always the challenge.”
“For the players, for the team, for the group as a whole, for the football club, we will only continue to move in a positive direction and in the right direction.
“Obviously the closer you get to the top, the less room there is for progress, but progress is certainly what you should aim for.”
Fabrizio Romano hints Manchester United midfielder will stay and become highest-paid player
The manager is expected to sign a long-term contract.
Manchester United latest transfers: Camavinga, Rios
Various reports claim United are looking to strengthen their midfield this summer to help Carrick, with manager Romano even claiming he could bring in three new faces in the center of the park.
The club have reportedly held talks to sign Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga, who was left out of France’s World Cup squad after an up-and-down season in the Spanish capital.
And with INEOS expected to spend big on at least one midfielder, a second or third option could be a cheaper solution, with Benfica’s Richard Ríos currently available at a discount.
United have been tracking the midfielder for some time, but with his £87m release fee proving prohibitive, it looks as though they may have gotten a masterclass over time.
In fact, with Benfica likely to miss out on Champions League qualification, the Portuguese club are planning a rebuild and are willing to accept an offer of around £26m for the 25-year-old Colombian international (via Sport Witness).
United have been named as the English team most interested in signing him, but they could face competition from European teams.
Rios has made 90 appearances for club and country since the start of 2025, scoring four goals and providing four assists in this season’s Portuguese Liga, despite primarily operating as a defensive midfielder.
His durability and toughness could go a long way in adding depth to Carrick’s midfield alongside strong players like Camavinga.
