Manchester United Manager Carrick Future To Be Decided Soon, Amid Casemiro Farewell

Michael Carrick expects clarity on the Manchester United job soon, with only two league fixtures left. United have already sealed a Champions League place and need one more point for third. Casemiro is set for an Old Trafford farewell on Sunday after returning from injury.

United host Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, then visit Brighton on the final Premier League weekend. Carrick has led the side on an interim basis since Ruben Amorim was dismissed in January. Reports indicate talks over a two-year contract, with senior officials viewing Carrick as the preferred long‑term choice.

The managerial situation has been a constant topic, with Carrick questioned about it almost every week. Carrick told reporters: "Can't blame you for asking, two games to go, there's not much else I can say, Carrick told reporters. Listen, the future for me is going to be decided pretty soon. We knew that it was going to be towards the end of the season, if not the end of the season, so nothing has changed. There's no big swing on that, that is what it is, and obviously whatever is beyond that is pretty close around the corner anyway."

Casemiro, who missed the previous match through injury, is available for the final home game. The midfielder confirmed earlier this year that this campaign will be the last at Manchester United, giving extra meaning to Sunday.

Carrick said: "Casemiro is available, Carrick added. He gave absolutely everything in every aspect, knowing that it was going to come to an end at the end of the season. As I've said before, it's a credit to him for the way he's gone about that, and just because it's coming to the end and there's clarity with it, it's easy to go the other way as well. He's fully invested, he's fully supported us as the staff and the performances that he's given, so he's obviously had some ups and downs, as we all have in football and over the years, but to finish so strongly and to see that connection that he's got with his supporters is really good."

On the pitch, only Manchester City have collected more Premier League points than Manchester United since Carrick took charge. City have earned 34 points in that period, while United have 33. Under Carrick, United have recorded 10 wins, three draws and only two defeats in the league.

United usually finish strongly at Old Trafford in league campaigns. Across the last 18 seasons, United have lost their final home league match only once, with 13 wins and four draws. That solitary defeat came in 2018-19, when Cardiff City earned a 2-0 victory.

Recent meetings with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League tell a different story for Manchester United. United are winless in their last four league clashes against Forest, with one draw and three defeats. That sequence followed a dominant spell when United had previously beaten Forest eight times in a row.

Manchester United absences and Matthijs de Ligt injury blow

Defensive options remain affected by the continued absence of centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, who has not played since December. De Ligt confirmed that surgery was required and will therefore miss the remaining two Manchester United matches, as well as the World Cup with the Netherlands.

De Ligt explained the setback in a social media message, stating: "After six months of treatment and working hard to get back, surgery was the only option left, De Ligt said in a social media post. I'm disappointed I couldn't help the team the last six months, and obviously missing out on the World Cup, but I am looking forward to doing everything to get back in front of the fans and feeling better again."

Manchester United now move towards the Forest and Brighton fixtures with Champions League qualification secure, but several storylines unresolved. Carrick’s long-term position is due to be settled soon, Casemiro prepares for a final Old Trafford appearance, and De Ligt works on recovery after surgery while the club targets third place.