Michael Carrick says nothing has changed regarding his future role at Manchester United despite reports this week that suggested he was set to be named the permanent head coach.
Carrick has been in interim charge since Ruben Amorim was sacked in January and has done a remarkable job, propelling United up the table on the back of 10 wins in 15 games.
It had been suggested this week that chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox had recommended to minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe that Carrick should be handed a long-term contract but Carrick insists nothing has been said to him.
“The situation is pretty clear for us all. Same as. It doesn’t change what we are doing this week,” he said.
“The future for me is going to be decided pretty soon, we knew that it was going to be towards the end of the season, if not the end of the season.
“Nothing has changed, there is no big swing on that. That is what it is. Whatever is beyond that is pretty close around the corner anyway.”
Carrick to thank Manchester United fans after Forest clash
It is still highly likely United will stick with Carrick and the former England midfielder intends to address the fans at the conclusion of Sunday’s home game with Nottingham Forest.
He added: ”I think that’s important regardless of the situation. The supporters are a massive part of this club. We thank them – and I certainly thank them – for the season and the support, the last four months for me personally.
“Regardless of that [his future], for what we’ve gone through and that connection, the players have felt that, it’s important we have that anyway.
“It’s important for me to thank the fans for that.”
Casemiro has been fantastic for Manchester United – Carrick
There will definitely be one farewell at Old Trafford with Brazil midfielder Casemiro playing his final home game before moving on.
Casemiro missed last weekend’s goalless draw at Sunderland – the visitors fortunate to come away with a point after being largely outplayed at the Stadium of Light – but is fit to face Forest.
“Case’s available,” confirmed Carrick. “I can say since I’ve been here and met him and worked with him, he’s been fantastic for us, for me personally, what he’s given us.
“The clarity helps, knowing the situation, for him and for us, for him to get his head in a place where he can give absolutely everything now it’s going to come to an end.
“It is a credit to him for the way he’s gone about that. Just because it is coming to the end and the clarity with it, it is easy to go the other way as well. He’s fully invested, fully supported us as staff in the performances he’s given. 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.”
Casemiro’s goals have helped United secure a Champions League spot for next season and Carrick is proud of the work the playing staff and coaches have achieved over the last four months.
“It’s a unique football club, a special football club. I’m immensely proud to have come back and been a part of it, to help,” he said.
“As a supporter and ex-player, as a pure supporter and caring about the club so much, to come back and help and move the club forward was important.
“To make a big step and get back in the Champions League is good. We’re happy with the work we’ve done so far.”
