Amad Diallo has become the latest Manchester United voice to call for the interim boss to be handed the job permanently, insisting the club already have the right man at the helm.
"From a personal view he's the right man," said the Ivory Coast winger. "He has a lot of experience, he knows the club and has the DNA. His relationship with every player is very good. Sometimes this kind of manager can bring the club where they belong. My honest opinion is we're really happy to have Michael Carrick as a manager."
Carrick, 44, replaced Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford in January and has transformed United's season. His record of seven wins, two draws and one defeat from ten matches — the best form of any Premier League side over that period — has United sitting third and in serious contention for a Champions League return after two years away. Four wins and a draw from their remaining seven games would seal it.
Striker Bryan Mbeumo echoed Amad's endorsement. "He knows how to talk to us. It's been easier because he knows the place. It's been great to work under him."
United's hierarchy are in no rush to decide, with a final call expected only at season's end. But their options have narrowed. Thomas Tuchel has committed to England, Carlo Ancelotti is extending with Brazil, and Roberto de Zerbi has joined Tottenham Hotspur. Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique remain in the frame, though both are unlikely to be available before the World Cup. Crucially, United are yet to open formal talks with any alternative candidate.
History counsels caution — Ole Gunnar Solskjaer won eight straight as interim before going on to a mixed permanent tenure — but not everyone within the club shares the same reservations this time around.