Michael Carrick's permanent Man Utd contract - and how it would differ to his current deal

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With Michael Carrick off to a flying start in his caretaker spell at Manchester United , speculation is naturally building about whether he could stay at the helm beyond this season. United have claimed five wins from six games since Carrick stepped in, highlighted by statement victories over Manchester City and Arsenal .

The club continues its search for a permanent head coach, with plans to have someone installed ahead of the 2026/27 pre-season. Initially, Carrick was not widely tipped as a serious option for the full-time post.

However, after revitalising the 13-time Premier League title winners, he has arguably moved to the top of the shortlist . Rival candidates such as Oliver Glasner , Gareth Southgate , Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann are still under consideration, but the job is beginning to look like it's Carrick's to lose.

With that in mind, we have considered what a multi-year contract for Carrick at Manchester United might look like. Here's what we reckon could be in store for the former midfielder if the Red Devils decide to run with him.

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Carrick would probably be handed a three-year deal, mirroring the approach taken with permanent appointments such as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag.

From INEOS' perspective, a three-year term offers sufficient time to embed a clear identity without creating the "lame duck" scenario associated with shorter contracts. At the same time, it limits the massive compensation costs that burdened the club after parting ways with Jose Mourinho and Ruben Amorim.

It is highly likely that Carrick would be permitted to keep key figures from his existing backroom team. Steve Holland, in particular, would be viewed as essential given his strong track record with Chelsea and the England national football team.

Holland is widely regarded as a central influence behind the side's improved tactical balance and greater defensive resilience. Maintaining the combination of Holland's top-level expertise and the club connection embodied by players such as Jonny Evans would help connect the senior squad with the academy system - something the leadership is keen to safeguard.

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In contrast to earlier eras that focused on "ready-made" superstars, Carrick's prospective contract would likely feature a firm directive to elevate talent from within - renewing attention on youth development. That strategy would dovetail with the financially disciplined outlook of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who aims to reduce excess expenditure while restoring the principles that defined the club's most successful, academy-driven periods.

Recently, Carrick completed a 300-mile return journey to Oxford to back the FA Youth Cup side, an action said to be referenced internally as evidence of a manager fully committed to the club's ethos.

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Substantial bonuses and add-ons would almost certainly be linked to qualification for the Champions League . After guiding United back into the top four during his interim tenure, decision-makers are expected to prioritise Champions League participation above all else, both on the pitch and in financial terms.

The agreement would also likely contain protective measures - possibly including performance-based exit clauses - in case results fall short of required standards.

When appointing David Moyes in 2013, for instance, Manchester United structured his contract to shield the club from an excessive severance package if performances declined sharply, which ultimately occurred. Given Carrick's comparatively limited experience at elite level, it would be surprising if such safeguards were reduced.

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A notable increase on his caretaker wages would be anticipated, potentially placing him in the £5million to £7m range per year. That figure would keep him beneath the Galactico-level earnings previously enjoyed by Mourinho or Louis van Gaal, who earned in excess of £10m.

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