Man Utd reach broad agreement with Michael Carrick for him to become permanent boss after impressive spell at Old Trafford

Manchester United have reached a broad agreement with Michael Carrick to become their permanent head coach.

A full agreement could be reached before the final home game of the season, against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The club's hierarchy, director of football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada, believe Carrick is the right man to continue leading Man Utd after an impressive 15 games during which he has secured Champions League football and earned wins against Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea.

The former Manchester United midfielder has been the frontrunner for the role for some time now, with his bosses impressed by his popularity with the playing squad, his handling of the media, his inherent understanding of the heritage and size of the football club - but also, crucially, the results he has achieved on the pitch.

In his 15 games in charge, Carrick has won 10 and drawn three, guaranteeing Champions League football for next season and a potential £100m boost to revenue as a result.

Carrick has delivered all that was asked of him and more, and in those circumstances, it was always hard to see how United could give the job to someone else.

Speaking during his press conference on Friday, Carrick suggested speculation around his longer-term Old Trafford future would end soon while also confirming he will address fans in a post-match speech.

"The future for me is going to be decided pretty soon," Carrick told the media.

"We knew that was going to be towards the end of the season, if not the end of the season, so nothing's changed. There's no big swing on that. That is what it is, you know. Obviously, whatever's beyond that is pretty close around the corner anyway."

Carrick will continue a long-held custom and address United fans at Old Trafford with a speech at full-time.

"I think a speech is important, regardless of the situation," he said.

"It's important because of the supporters, and we thank them, and I certainly thank them for the season and the support, and certainly in the last four months, for however long it's been for me personally.

"Regardless of that [my future], I think for what we've gone through together so far, and that connection, and I felt that the players have felt that. It's important."

"It does feel like we're edging ever closer to Michael Carrick being confirmed as the head coach to take on Manchester United beyond the end of this season.

"After this season ends, you have to look at what Carrick has done in 15 games in charge. Ten wins, including impressive victories against Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, but he's also revitalised so much of this squad as well.

"Kobbie Mainoo, for example, was nominated for Young Player of the Year on Thursday. I know he has absolute buy-in from the playing squad. I think we've seen that throughout his time in charge, when they've had a few dips like the loss against Leeds a month ago.

"They then came back to win that game at Stamford Bridge, which I think was quite a big telling point."

"He's put himself in pole position with what he's done. There are things that have emerged that will give Manchester United fans comfort that they are in safe hands.