Michael Carrick revealed that some circumstances surrounding his future at Manchester United remain out of his hands as his time in interim charge comes to an end. 

Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January, with the team outside the European places, but last week's 3-2 victory over Liverpool secured United's return to the Champions League stage next season. 

Under Carrick, which includes his first interim spell in 2021, the Red Devils have won eight of their nine top-flight matches at Old Trafford (L1). 

He is only the sixth manager – and the first Englishman – to win eight or more of his first nine home games in the competition, and first since Antonio Conte in 2016-17 (also 8/9).

In fact, since Carrick's first Premier League game in charge this season, United have won more points than any other side (32). The 44-year-old's 10 wins in 14 matches (D2 L2) are already more than Amorim won in his 20 games in 2025-26 (W8 D7 L5).

Carrick is one of the favourites to take the position on a full-time basis at the end of the season, though he was unable to detail too much about conversations behind the scenes.

"It was a matter of days ago, we've got eyes on finishing the season strongly," Carrick said. 

"I understand the question, I understand the timing of it. From my point at this stage, it puts the boys in place to finish the season strongly.

"As I've said all along, it will get sorted out when it gets sorted out. Some of it is out of my hands, so we will see what happens."

Carrick added that clarity on the United head coach role is important after securing Champions League football with three Premier League games remaining. 

"Clarity is important, moving forward. It comes at a time, at the end of the season, where we've finished strong, put ourselves in a good position," Carrick added. 

"The situation of my role and what it looks like moving forward, I think, is just natural timing.

"It's always spoken about towards the end of the season, if not the end of the season, nothing has really changed to be honest."

The United boss also said that a strong finish to the regular season was a must, which begins with a tricky away trip to European-chasing Sunderland on Saturday.

That match at the Stadium of Light will be just their 37th across all competitions in 2025-26, the joint-lowest alongside Bournemouth among Premier League teams, having also gone out early on in the FA Cup and EFL Cup as well as having no European football to contend with. 

Of course, that will now change for next term, and Carrick is confident that with strong recruitment in the summer, United will be up to the challenge of an increased schedule.

"There are different challenges within that. I think largely, the boys are used to playing more games than we have done, over a period of time, over a number of years," he said. 

"I think this has been a bit unique in not being in cup competitions and having extended periods of no games. We've had to adjust a little bit.

"There is certainly going to be a change and a shift. That is part of evolving in the squad and growing the squad.

"A little bit more experience, some younger players with more experience, it will be a natural step to take that one. As a club, we'll face it head on."