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Michael Carrick has revealed that he's about the long term at Manchester United amid the growing belief that the job is now his to lose. Carrick, 44, remains unbeaten since being appointed interim manager in January.

After Sunday's 2-1 comeback win against Crystal Palace, United have won six and drawn one of his seven games in charge. Combine those with his previous two Premier League games overseen as caretaker in 2021, Carrick has made the joint-best start after nine games by any manager in the competition's history.

The Red Devils' ascent to third in the table - putting them on course to qualify for the Champions League - means that the former United midfielder has been installed as the favourite to become Ruben Amorim's permanent successor. There's also no outstanding candidate to challenge Carrick, whose agent, Jo Tounge, was at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Ahead of Wednesday's trip to Newcastle, the 44-year-old gave his strongest indication yet that he wants to stay on. Asked about his chances of getting the job permanently, Carrick replied. "It's going to be every week this, isn't it?

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"There's no getting away from the situation, of course. There's not really an awful lot I can say about it to be honest. I love being here. I love doing what I'm doing. I've said it from the start, I'm not making any decisions for short-term or quick fixes.

"I think it's the responsibility, however long I'm here, to make decisions that are the best for the football club in the long term. Of course, winning games helps and the boys are doing great with that. We'll just have to see where it ends up."

United haven't won at St James' Park with fans present since January 2019. Back then, Carrick was part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's coaching staff.

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Carrick grew up supporting Newcastle, having been born in nearby Wallsend. Wednesday will see him go head-to-head with Magpies boss Eddie Howe, who United legend Roy Keane has notably backed for the Old Trafford hot seat.

"[I have] a huge amount of respect for Eddie and his staff," Carrick said. "I know some of them particularly well and, obviously being from there originally, it's something I've kept a close eye on.

"He's doing a great job, the levels of success and periods that he's brought to that football club, and the feeling that he's created around the whole area is incredible. So yeah, I just think he's a top manager, top coach and he'll continue having success, I'm sure."

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