BREAKING: Michael Carrick Confirmed as Manchester United Manager in Surprise Permanent Appointment

(Man United's new coach, Michael Carrick Photo Credit: Punch News)

Michael Carrick has been officially confirmed as Manchester United's permanent manager after reaching an agreement on a long-term contract with the club.

The decision, which had reportedly been in the works for several weeks, has now been finalized and given the green light by key figures at the club, including minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and senior executives.

Carrick is set to sign a deal understood to run for an initial two years, with the option to extend, or potentially a straight three-year arrangement depending on how things progress.

The former United midfielder had been serving in an interim capacity before being handed the role on a full-time basis, following a strong run of results and growing backing from within the club.

As reported by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano on social media on Friday, the direction had been clear for weeks, with the plan fully approved by Ratcliffe and a new deal set to be signed shortly.

Carrick also confirmed that 34-year-old Brazilian midfielder Casemiro would be available for his farewell appearance at Old Trafford.

He indicated his intention to follow the tradition established by his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson by addressing supporters after the Forest game, expressing gratitude for the connection fans have built with the team.

"The supporters are a massive part of this club. We thank them for the season the last four months for me personally.

For what we've gone through and that connection, which the players have felt, it's important for me to thank the fans for that," Carrick said.