What does the future hold for Man Utd and Michael Carrick?

Clarity “In the next few days”, smiled Michael Carrick to the assembled media, when he was asked again if there was any update on his future after Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest in the post-match press conference.

“It’s been pretty clear.”

Sir Jim Ratcliffe was at Old Trafford for United’s 11th win in 16 games under their ‘interim’ boss. Carrick’s trusted advisers, too, sat in on Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.

All are connected to the future. It is only the confirmation we are waiting for now.

United are expected to sign Carrick on a two-year deal with a one-year extension soon.

After leading Manchester United back to the Champions League after a two-season absence since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and securing only a fifth top-three finish, Carrick deserves a shot at the full-time job.

However, the hard work may only be the beginning.

The third in a 40-game season, no Europe and getting out of both domestic cups at the first hurdle – before Carrick arrived – is an achievement. However, in the club’s storied history, which the 44-year-old has been a central part of for 12 years, it is at the lower end of the ambition scale.

Asked for his view on what United need to improve to reach the required level, Carrick offered this assessment.

“There are a few aspects to it,” he said.

“There’s an understanding of where we want to go from where we were, and what steps it takes to get there.

“You want to keep improving but the closer you get to the top of the league, the harder it is. You have to take big steps, but it’s harder to take those big steps.

“Of course, developing the group is one thing. It’s not a negative in the group as it is now, we have a good player that we want to improve and try to get better.

“Is it additions, or additions and some young players, who will be better for it again with additional experience?

“There’s no magic ingredient. It’s hard work, a bit of brains, a bit of intelligence and good players too.”

So, what’s in Carrick’s ‘in tray’?