Michael Carrick is set to be offered a contract to become the next permanent manager of Manchester United following their stirring 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Red Devils staved off a comeback from their rivals to pick up all three points and secure Champions League football for next season.
Kobbie Mainoo, who was marginalised by Carrick's predecessor Ruben Amorim, was the hero for the hosts with the England international netting the winner in the 77th minute of the contest.
And the Guardian say Carrick is now expected to remain in the role, with the 44-year-old set to be given a contract beyond this season.
Since replacing Amorim in January, the former Red Devils midfielder has overseen 10 victories and two draws from 14 matches.
Their sole league defeats have come against Newcastle and Leeds.
It's said that United chiefs Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada have been impressed with Carrick's impact, and believe he he has the backing of his players.
Michael Carrick is set to be offered a contract to become the next permanent manager of Manchester United following their stirring 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday
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Furthermore, Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire - two key individuals within the squad - are eager for Carrick to stay put.
When Amorim was first sacked in January, Thomas Tuchel quickly became the favourite to take over.
Tuchel was eyed by INEOS to replace Erik ten Hag in 2024, only for the fallen giants to offer the Dutchman a new deal instead after he guided the club to FA Cup glory at the expense of Manchester City.
Kobbie Mainoo scored the winner for Man United against Liverpool on Sunday to secure Champions League football for next season
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Man United opted to replace Ruben Amorim with Michael Carrick back in January
| REUTERSThe German is now out of reach, however, with Tuchel contracted to England until after the European Championships in 2028.
Roberto De Zerbi was also previously linked with the role.
However, the Italian recently returned to the dugout with Tottenham, and has guided the club to successive victories over Wolves and Aston Villa.
Julian Nagelsmann, Mauricio Pochettino and Luis Enrique have found themselves being backed for the role instead.
Yet the job is now Carrick's to lose and all signs point to him staying put.
Meanwhile, speaking after steering United back into the Champions League, the ex-midfielder expressed his delight but suggested more work was needed if they're to finally win a first Premier League title since 2013.
Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire want Michael Carrick to stay at Man Utd
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"In some ways [I'm proud of it]. And, in some ways, I think the work that's been done and the players, the way they've performed, and the teams that we've played against and got good results against, I think it's something that we can take a lot from, for sure," he said.
"I think was well in the distance, a little bit, if we're honest, at one point.
"So there has been a lot of good work to put us in a position with three games to go and get that sealed.
"But it's not something we've spoke about as a group really. I think it's not something we over-celebrate.
"I think it's a step. We want more. We want to be finishing higher up the league but, certainly there is huge credit deserved that goes to the players and the staff, for putting us in this position, at this stage."
United still have to face Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton before the campaign concludes.