Manchester United expect to confirm Michael Carrick as the interim manager on Tuesday, with finance to be at the 44-year-old’s disposal to strengthen the squad should a target for the long term become available.
The announcement of Carrick’s appointment is scheduled for Tuesday and Darren Fletcher, who has taken charge of two games since Ruben Amorim’s sacking, will be given the opportunity to be part of the coaching team. Carrick wants Jonathan Woodgate, who worked alongside him at Middlesbrough, to be part of his backroom staff.
Carrick, who pulled ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjær during the interview process, will lead United for the first time on Wednesday when the players return to training after two days off.
With midfield one of the positions United want to strengthen, Al-Hilal’s Rúben Neves is a target. The Portuguese would cost about £20m and should his acquisition become viable there are funds available for his purchase or for any other player on the club’s transfer wishlist.
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Carrick’s first match is Saturday’s lunchtime visit of Manchester City for the derby.