Manchester United are expected to make a big managerial decision soon.
INEOS now appear increasingly convinced that Michael Carrick is the right man to lead United forward after guiding the club back into the UEFA Champions League.
According to a report, United are set to offer Carrick a two-year deal with an option to extend his contract by 12 months.
The 44-year-old is already deeply involved in recruitment discussions alongside the United hierarchy ahead of a hugely important summer transfer window.
Carrick has overseen 15 matches since taking charge and has transformed United’s fortunes with 10 victories and only two defeats.
Incredibly, no Premier League side has collected more points than United since Carrick stepped into the dugout earlier this year.
INEOS initially set Champions League qualification as the minimum target when they decided to make a managerial change after the turn of the year.
Carrick immediately announced himself with stunning performances against Manchester City and Arsenal that reignited belief across Old Trafford.
The Red Devils also produced statement victories over Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Liverpool during an extraordinary run of form.
That recognition feels even more remarkable considering Carrick has managed for less than half of the campaign.
INEOS may have explored elite alternatives such as Carlo Ancelotti or Thomas Tuchel, but both managers have already committed their futures to the Brazil and England respectively.
Under the current circumstances, Carrick increasingly looks like the smartest and most logical appointment available to United.
A two-year contract would also represent a sensible balance for INEOS by avoiding both a risky long-term commitment and an overly short-term approach.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
