Ex‑PL CEO: Carrick is not the next Solskjaer - 'he has a much better feeling for the game'

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is under growing pressure to hire Michael Carrick on a permanent basis.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, after Man United achieved Champions League qualification.

Carrick was hired in January on an interim basis, and the 44-year-old has achieved his aim of bringing Champions League football back to Old Trafford.

The former Middlesborough boss is now a leading contender to become the next Man United manager, although he could be rivalled by Andoni Iraola and Julian Nagelsmann.

Man United will confirm their next permanent manager at the end of the season, with a busy summer ahead of strengthening the squad expected.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe at ‘higher risk’ of fan backlash in next managerial decision

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Carrick is now the favourite for the Man United job.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness states that Man United stars are behind the club appointing Carrick.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Yeah, I think he is [the favourite].

“The players as well, the captain and some other players have come out backing Carrick. So that’s obviously very important because it puts Ratcliffe and his group in a different situation that if they were to make another change, then they really are at much higher risk.

“I know they keep comparing it to the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer position at the time when he got hired. But actually Carrick has done a bit more of an apprenticeship at Middlesbrough and has a much better feeling for the game. And obviously the results have been excellent.

“Carrick knows the squad he’s got, and he’s been respected, and the players do respect him. He’s shown that they can get unity, and he’s got them going.”

Man United make transfer decision on Amad Diallo

Former chief scout at Old Trafford Mick Brown told Football Insider that Man United have concerns around Amad Diallo and his recent performances in the team.

Diallo has only scored two Premier League goals all season, and can not nail down a place in Carrick’s starting line-up.

Brown though does state that Man United have no plans to sell the 23-year-old, and Diallo has proven he can play at wing-back as well as higher up the pitch.

Whilst Man United could sign a new winger this summer, Diallo is not expected to be replaced, and will continue to provide competition to Bryan Mbeumo.

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