Michael Carrick’s dominant position in the market stems from his successful interim stint at Manchester United, where he has stabilized results following Ruben Amorim’s departure earlier this season. Club sources indicate that INEOS executives and director of football Jason Wilcox have recommended him for the permanent head coach role, with reports confirming a broad agreement on a two-year contract plus an option year that could be finalized imminently. This has shaped trader consensus around his strong recent form, familiarity with the squad, and alignment with the club’s long-term rebuild plans in the Premier League. While Carrick remains the clear frontrunner, a last-minute breakdown in contract talks or a sharp downturn in results during the final weeks of the campaign could still open the door for alternatives such as external candidates.