The outcome has been possible since January 25, 12 days after Michael Carrick replaced former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in place of Ruben Amorim.
Carrick has beaten Manchester City – but Amorim, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and others have already done that. Despite their drop in standing, improving their game against opponents from across the city has not been a problem.
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Things were different when United beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium thanks to Matheus Cunha’s late goal, the first hint that Carrick would bring more substance to Old Trafford.
Over the next three months, the 44-year-old dodged questions about his future. Whether he wants the job, whether he’s discussed it with brass, whether he’s attended recruiting meetings, it’s important for a potential signee to know who the head coach will be next season.
Meanwhile, various candidates for the position have been ruled out. Thomas Tuchel renews contract with Football Association. Carlo Ancelotti planned to do the same with Brazil and has now done so. Paris Saint-Germain have announced that they are agreeing a new deal with Luis Enrique.
Another option is that Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner is embroiled in a dispute over the ownership of the London club, which appears to be heading for an exit. Crystal Palace had already been beaten by non-league Macclesfield in the FA Cup.
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All the while, Carrick kept winning games. It started with a run of four wins in a row, six of seven games, until the first defeat – against Newcastle – where the club’s hierarchy blamed the players rather than those in the dugout.
The home defeat to Leeds United on April 13 was the responsibility of the manager, who made a mistake in starting Manuel Ugarte when Kobe Minu was out injured.
United’s response; three consecutive wins over rivals in pursuit of Champions League places; Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool answering key questions about Carrick’s suitability for the job.
By now, key figures in the dressing room – starting with Amad Diallo during Dublin’s training camp in April and continuing with Bruno Fernandez, Kobe Manu, Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount, Sene Lamenz and Casemiro – have been calling for Carrick to stay.
The evidence is overwhelming.
Dumping Carrick has become a bigger risk than keeping him, and it won’t be long before United confirm he’s got the job.