Man Utd news: Michael Carrick gets approval as club chiefs search for next permanent boss

The next few weeks are the most important of Michael Carrick's managerial career. The Manchester United legend has impressed far more than even his greatest advocates would have imagined since he took charge of the Red Devils on a temporary basis in January. The 44-year-old replaced Ruben Amorim at the start of the year on an interim contract while the club was struggling. He has led them to a top-four place in the Premier League with just four games left to play and Champions League qualification increasingly likely. Despite his success in such a short period of time, Carrick's future at Old Trafford is still up in the air, given United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe still has not offered him the position on a long-term basis. It is well known that club bosses have begun their search for a new permanent manager, with Carrick also being considered. FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page Now, Mirror Football brings you two of the biggest news stories surrounding United and their managerial search. United chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are currently eyeing candidates for the managerial position. The Athletic reports that the pair are leading the search for the new United manager and will make their recommendation to Sir Jim at the end of this season. It's claimed they are currently conducting background checks on the various candidates, amid speculation over whether Carrick will stay on beyond this campaign. Carrick, who remains one of the contenders, met with Ratcliffe during the United co-owner's visit to Carrington last week amid the ongoing decision-making process that will determine his future. Carrick said on the visit: "He came in, we had a chat, we had a cup of tea. A casual chat to be honest, it was nice to see him showing his support, obviously. That was it. It was quite informal, but it was nice to see him." Former United star Jesse Lingard believes the club should appoint Carrick as permanent head coach at the end of this season. Lingard, currently with Corinthians in Brazil, made 55 appearances alongside Carrick for United before the ex-midfielder became a coach during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's managerial tenure. Lingard has now told BBC Sport that Carrick’s dramatic impact on the team’s fortunes makes him the best candidate for the job. The former England international said: "I think they have come on leaps and bounds. Obviously, it can be difficult with different managers coming in and having different ideas and different personnel. "But I think now they are really on the right track with Michael. I know him from my Man United days, I know how he operates and the lads are doing really well under him." "I think so," Lingard replied when asked if Carrick should get the job permanently. "He has the Man United DNA inside of him. He knows the ins and outs of the club. They are on the right track at the moment. "The lads have taken to him really well. They are winning a lot of games, they will probably get Champions League this season which is amazing. So I think so, 100 per cent."