Michael Carrick wants to see improvements and further progress as the Manchester United head coach looks to next season and beyond.
The 44-year-old has broadly agreed to terms on a deal to keep him at Old Trafford following an impressive short-term stint in charge.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday that the appointment has now been ‘approved by Sir Jim Ratfliffe’ and a two-year deal with an option for a third year will be signed soon.
Carrick was brought in for the remainder of the campaign following Ruben Amorim’s January exit and has overseen a marked upturn, with United sealing Champions League qualification with three games to spare.
The former midfielder could sign terms before Sunday’s final home game of the season against Nottingham Forest and is excited for what the group can achieve over the coming seasons.
“You’ve always got to aim upwards, for sure,” Carrick said. “I think that’s just the beauty of football and the beauty of competition – to achieve something, to then back it up, to then improve on things. I think that’s always the challenge.
“For the players, for the squad, for the whole group, for the football club, we only keep moving in a positive way and in the right direction.
“The closer you get to the top, obviously there’s less room for progress, but progress is certainly what needs to be aimed for.”
Fabrizio Romano hints Man Utd midfielder will stay and become their highest paid player
The manager is set to sign a long-term deal.
Man Utd transfer latest: Camavinga, Rios
United are set to reinforce their midfield to help Carrick this summer, as per various reports, with Romano even claiming they could bring in three new faces in the centre of the park.
The club have reportedly held talks for Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga, who was left out of France’s World Cup squad following an up and down season in the Spanish capital.
And with INEOS expected to spend big on at least one midfielder, the second or third option to arrive could be a cheaper solution, with Benfica’s Richard Rios now available for a discount.
United have been tracking the midfielder for some time, but his £87m release clause had proved prohibitive, and it looks as though they have pulled a masterclass by biding their time.
Indeed, with Benfica looking likely to miss out on Champions League qualification, the Portuguese club are planning a rebuild, and are willing to listen to offers of around £26m for the 25 year-old Colombia international (via Sport Witness).
United are named as the English side most interested in his signature, but could face competition from teams in Europe.
Rios has played 90 games for club and country since the beginning of 2025, and has provided four goals and four assists in Liga Portugal this season despite operating mainly as a defensive midfielder.
His durability and toughness could go a long way to boosting Carrick’s midfield depth alongside a more marquee signing like Camavinga.