Man Utd news: Michael Carrick's first demand in charge as Casemiro has issue with team-mate

After clinching a return to the Champions League, Manchester United are close to confirming their next permanent manager, with Michael Carrick in pole position. The 44-year-old has surpassed the expectations of many since taking over for the remainder of the campaign in January following an acrimonious end to Ruben Amorim's rocky reign. United have explored other options but Carrick has long been considered the front-runner for a job that he has been publicly backed for by a number of players. The former Middlesbrough boss has overseen a marked improvement in mood and results, with Champions League qualification secured with three matches to spare. Ahead of the final two matches of the season - at home to Nottingham Forest on Sunday and away to Brighton - United are also on the brink of securing a comfortable third spot ahead of Liverpool and Aston Villa . It's sure to be a fascinating summer at Old Trafford, with arrivals and departures expected as Carrick, assuming he lands the job, puts his stamp on the side. Here's a round-up of the latest United news… FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page Carrick has made no secret of the fact he wants the job full-time, saying after a recent game that it feels like a "natural" fit. However, he expects to be backed during what could be a hectic summer. In key talks with top bosses next week, Carrick will want assurances the club will do whatever it can to land their leading transfer targets. His expected appointment as permanent boss will have the knock-on effect of sewing up Bruno Fernandes's long-term future. The Portuguese playmaker was close to leaving the club last summer before being persuaded to stay by Amorim. His countryman's dismissal raised more questions about his future amid suggestions he had grown tired of the club's constant cycle of upheaval. However, with Carrick at the helm, Fernandes is ready to commit his long-term future to the club. Outgoing midfielder Casemiro has been dishing out advice to Kobbie Mainoo , calling him the "present and the future of the club." The fortunes of both players have been transformed under Carrick. Mainoo has come in from the cold after struggling to force his way into Amorim's plans, while Casemiro has been a key player over the second half of the season, with calls for him to reverse his decision to leave this summer. The Brazilian has been key off the pitch too, offering guidance to younger players like Mainoo. Speaking on Rio Ferdinand's podcast, he discussed the challenge of getting through to younger players in the age of social media. When Ferdinand put to him that you can't be as strong with young players [these days], he said: "I try, I try, but the phone, the social media is very difficult because everyone sees on the phone, 'Nah, you play good.' You think, ah, you play good. Yeah, it's top, it's top.' "And I try every day about this with Kobbie. He's an unbelievable player. But he needs to train, train, train. He needs fear - I play, I don't play. I need to push the training because this guy is the present and the future of the club." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.