Ratcliffe sanctioned the contract offer this week and talks between Manchester United and Carrick's representatives have been underway since Thursday, when his agent was spotted at Carrington.
The contract is proposed as an initial two years running to June 2028, with the option of a third. All of assistant coaches Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Craig Mawson are also expected to sign new deals to remain at the club.
Speaking at his Friday press conference ahead of the Forest game, Carrick addressed his future with characteristic restraint.
"I can't blame you for asking. There's two games to go, apart from that there's not much else I can say. It's probably what you'd expect. The situation is pretty clear for us all. Same as in terms of preparing for the game — it doesn't change what I do this week."
He was asked how much involvement he has had in discussions about the club's direction beyond the current season.
"The future for me is going to be decided pretty soon. We knew that was going to be towards the end of the season, so nothing's changed. There's no big swing on that. Whatever's beyond that is pretty close round the corner anyway."
On what the role has meant to him personally.
"It's a unique football club, special, special football club. I'm immensely proud to have come back and to be part of it, to help as a supporter and ex-player — as a pure supporter caring about the club so much — to be in a position to come back and help and move forward was important. To make a big step and be back in the Champions League is good. We're happy with the work we've done so far."
He was equally warm on assistant Steve Holland, whose reputation from his long career with the England senior team has been a clear asset in establishing credibility with United's experienced playing group.
"Steve's been fantastic. He's got an awful lot of experience, he's seen everything before — gone through it, some good times and more challenging times. He's a very wise man. He says things that are important at the right time. Just general calmness and composure around for everyone, for me and my staff, the players as well. The dynamics of bringing something a bit different — Steve is in that role where he has the experience to lean on. There is absolutely no shame in that at all."
On his ambitions for the club going forward.
"You've got to aim upwards. That's the beauty of football, the beauty of competition — to achieve something and back it up, that's the challenge. For the players, for the squad, for the whole group and football club, we want to keep moving in a positive way and in the right direction. The closer you get to the top the less room for progress, but progress is what we're aiming for."
Carrick confirmed Casemiro will play against Forest in what will be the Brazilian's farewell to Old Trafford after four years at the club, and he was generous in his assessment of a player who has served him exceptionally well since January.
"Cas is available. Since I've been here and met him and worked with him, he's been fantastic for us, for me personally, for us as a group. The clarity helps of knowing the situation — for him and for us — for him to get his head in a place where he gave absolutely everything, knowing it was going to come to an end. Credit to him for the way he's gone about that. It is easy to go the other way. He's fully invested, fully supported by us as a staff. He's had some ups and downs over the year, but to finish so strongly and see that connection with the supporters is really good to see."
Carrick took interim charge on 13 January following Ruben Amorim's dismissal and has won 10 of his 15 league games, guiding United from seventh to third and securing Champions League qualification with three games to spare.