Sir Alex Ferguson has endorsed Michael Carrick's expected appointment as the permanent Manchester United manager. United have explored other options but Carrick has long been considered the front-runner.
Crucially, co-owners the Glazer and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are in agreement that he deserves to stay in the post. That backing extends to the club's greatest ever manager, Ferguson.
After retiring in 2013, the Scot was regularly consulted on managerial decisions. While that hasn't been the case on this occasion, it is understood he backs the likely permanent appointment of Carrick, as we reported yesterday. Carrick would be the seventh permanent boss since Ferguson stood down.
Ferguson hand-picked his successor, David Moyes, but has had less involvement in recent years. He was in favour of Jose Mourinho's appointment in 2026, jokingly telling the Portuguese coach to "bring an umbrella" for Manchester's inclement weather.
Mourinho said of Ferguson at the time: "His opinion is an important opinion for me in the same way that many legends in this club love the club and are in the punditry industry, so every opinion will be important for me."
Ferguson also appeared to get on well with Erik ten Hag, going out for dinner with the Dutch coach. While Ferguson, a non-executive director, hasn't been directly consulted recently, he has been kept abreast of developments regarding Carrick.
The ex-Middlesbrough boss has surpassed expectations since taking over in January following an acrimonious end to Ruben Amorim's rocky reign.
Carrick has overseen a marked improvement in mood and results, with United clinching Champions League qualification with three matches to spare and on the verge of securing third spot in the Premier League.
That upturn has put the club's former midfielder, captain and coach in pole position to stay in the post, with talking place before the end of the season.
Carrick also has support from some of his former United team-mates, including Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand. Rooney has told the club to make a final decision sooner rather than later, ahead of what should be a busy summer of arrivals and departures as Carrick reshapes the squad.
