Michael Carrick and the Manchester United Question: Interim Manager's Case Strengthens as Season Nears End

Desk note: The Guardian's report on Carrick's position ran with a neutral headline framing the debate as open. Most wire coverage since has leaned toward the view that the caretaker has done enough to warrant consideration — a notable shift from the initial consensus that INEOS would look externally. This publication's reporting reflects that movement while noting that the final two fixtures carry disproportionate weight in determining how the hierarchy frames the decision.