Dimitar Berbatov has little question who ought to be accountable for Manchester United next season, saying the choice is a ‘no-brainer’.
The identity of the person in charge at Old Trafford next campaign is yet to be confirmed, but interim boss Michael Carrick’s possibilities of keeping the job are increasingly good.
The previous Red Devils midfielder has produced excellent results since taking charge in January, securing a return to Champions League football next season.
It looks very likely Manchester United will finish third under his leadership, something which seemed fanciful when he took control after Ruben Amorim’s departure.
The 44-year-old may not have top level managerial experience, but he’s doing all the things he could possibly do in his audition for the role.
The variety of football has improved, together with results, while the players seem very joyful working under Carrick and his staff.
Asked if Carrick has done enough to earn the job on a full time basis, Berbatov told Sky Sports: ‘And more, in my view, and more.
‘The team has qualified for the Champions League, the team is playing free-flowing football with swagger, with a lot belief, scoring goals.
‘After all there’s work to be done as well, obviously. But looking where the team were, with all the issues, with things that were happening, and now with how things have improved.
‘Michael Carrick and his staff, and naturally the players, deserve the credit and I feel if you happen to ask anyone, probably 99 per cent will say in fact!
‘I heard a number of the interviews from the players who’re supporting him. “We’re going to die for him on the pitch. He knows find out how to speak with us, the outcomes are here.”
‘For me, it’s a no brainer, he needs to remain.’
It was Kobbie Mainoo who claimed Manchester United players were able to ‘follow him and fight for him and die for him on the pitch,’ in remarkable praise for the interim manager.
Casemiro, who’s leaving the club at the top of the season, has also backed Carrick to remain in charge.
‘For my part, he completely deserves it, I feel he’s a man who has already demonstrated that he has superb qualities to be a Manchester United coach,’ the Brazilian told ESPN.
‘So it’s lower than me to decide on, it’s as much as the club. But when I could give my opinion, in fact he deserves it, and he deserves the club’s total trust.
‘After all, the season is year-round, but since he arrived, he’s been doing an incredible job and I feel that with more time he has all the things to be an awesome manager of Manchester United.’
MORE: Man Utd legend Peter Schmeichel goals dig at Arsenal and makes second best team in Europe claim
MORE: Amad Diallo reveals problem Manchester United had under Ruben Amorim
MORE: Eamonn Holmes faces one other blow after ‘losing job’ he’s had for 19 years