Having secured a return to the Champions League, Manchester United are edging closer to confirming their next permanent manager, with Michael Carrick firmly in the driving seat. The 44-year-old has exceeded the expectations of many since stepping in for the remainder of the campaign in January, following a bitter conclusion to Ruben Amorim's turbulent tenure. United have considered alternative candidates, yet Carrick has long been regarded as the leading contender for a role that several players have publicly endorsed him for.

The former Middlesbrough boss has overseen a dramatic improvement in both atmosphere and results, with Champions League qualification wrapped up with three matches still to play. With two fixtures remaining this season - a home clash against Nottingham Forest on Sunday and a trip to Brighton - United are also on the verge of cementing a comfortable third-place finish ahead of Liverpool and Aston Villa. It promises to be a busy summer at Old Trafford, with both arrivals and departures anticipated as Carrick, should he land the role, looks to place his own stamp on the squad. Express Sport brings you a round-up of the very latest news from Old Trafford...

Carrick has made little effort to conceal his desire to take the job on a permanent basis, remarking after a recent fixture that it feels like a "natural" fit. And he expects to receive full backing during what could prove to be a hectic summer transfer window.

In crucial discussions with senior figures next week, Carrick will seek guarantees the club will do everything possible to secure their priority transfer targets. His expected confirmation as permanent manager will have the additional benefit of tying down Bruno Fernandes's long-term future.

The Portuguese midfielder was on the brink of departing the club last summer before being convinced to remain by Amorim. His compatriot's sacking prompted further questions about his future amid reports he had grown weary of the club's relentless cycle of instability. Nevertheless, with Carrick in charge, Fernandes is prepared to pledge his long-term future to the club.

Departing midfielder Casemiro has been offering guidance to Kobbie Mainoo, describing him as the "present and the future of the club." The circumstances of both players have been transformed under Carrick.

Mainoo has been brought back into the fold after battling to establish himself in Amorim's plans, while Casemiro has been an integral player throughout the second half of the campaign, with appeals for him to reconsider his decision to depart this summer.

The Brazilian has been influential off the pitch as well, providing mentorship to younger players like Mainoo, despite admitting his fear that players take too much praise from social media.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand's podcast, he addressed the difficulty of connecting with younger players in the era of social media. When Ferdinand suggested that it is harder to be as demanding with younger players nowadays, he responded: "'I try, I try', but the phone, the social media is very difficult because everyone sees on the phone, 'Nah, you play good.' You think, 'Ah, you play good. Yeah, it's top, it's top.'"

He went on to speak specifically about Mainoo, adding: "And I try every day about this with Kobbie. He's an unbelievable player. But he needs to train, train, train. He needs fear - I play, I don't play. I need to push the training because this guy is the present and the future of the club."