Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement in principle to appoint Michael Carrick as interim manager until the end of the season, according to reports on Tuesday.

The former United midfielder was seen arriving at the club’s Carrington training ground, with an official announcement expected later in the day. Carrick previously enjoyed an unbeaten three-match spell as caretaker manager at Old Trafford in 2021.

The 44-year-old enjoyed a highly decorated playing career at United, winning 12 major trophies across 12 seasons, before moving into management. He was appointed Middlesbrough manager in October 2022 and led the club to the Championship play-offs in his first campaign, though he was dismissed in June after Boro finished 10th in the second tier.

United are also believed to have held discussions with former player and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær about a possible return to the club, but Carrick now appears set to take the role.

The Red Devils parted company with Ruben Amorim last week following a disappointing 14-month spell in charge. Caretaker manager Darren Fletcher oversaw a 2-2 Premier League draw with Burnley and a 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton.

Early exits from both domestic cup competitions, coupled with the absence of European football, mean United are set to play just 40 matches this season — their fewest since the 1914/15 campaign.

Despite their struggles, the 20-time English champions sit seventh in the Premier League, just three points off the top four and one point behind fifth-placed Brentford. A top-four finish would secure a return to the Champions League, while a top-five place is likely to suffice given the strong performance of English clubs in European competitions this season.

United face local rivals Manchester City on Saturday, a fixture that could mark Carrick’s first game in charge if his appointment is confirmed.