Man Utd: Michael Carrick confident he can deal with Old Trafford pressure as head coach decision looms

Being Manchester United manager has become the impossible job. Six have succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson, all succumbing to the pressure in the end. This summer a seventh will be chosen and Michael Carrick, it seems, is on course to be that man.

By winning seven of his 10 games since January and lifting United up to third in the Premier League, Carrick has made a return to the Champions League more likely than not. It would now come as a surprise if a top-five finish did not seal the deal.

It is hard to nail down the characteristics required to be a success at United. They have gone down nearly every route. Jose Mourinho was the serial winner. Louis van Gaal was the experienced hand. Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim were the project managers.

Carrick falls into the 'United DNA' camp. In other words, the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer camp, which brings its own baggage. Solskjaer's deficiencies were obvious, but he navigated the scrutiny at Old Trafford better than most. This is a trait Carrick appears to share.