Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick admits future is 'out of his hands' and expresses 'disappointment' at FA Youth Cup final venue

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Michael Carrick has admitted that his future as Manchester United head coach is "out of his hands" as the club prepares to make a decision at the end of the season.

'Not something we should be over-celebrating' - Carrick wants more than UCL qualification

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With UEFA Champions League qualification secured following last Sunday’s 3-2 win over Liverpool, United are expected to finalise their plans for the position in the coming weeks, having also assessed alternative candidates throughout the process.

Interim boss Carrick, however, insisted the timing is natural and in line with what was originally agreed, while acknowledging that the situation has now reached its decisive stage.

"Listen, clarity is important," he said at his press conference on Thursday, ahead of United’s trip to face Sunderland in the Premier League this weekend.

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"It was always spoken about towards the end of the season, so nothing has really changed. I'm calm about it - it’ll get sorted when it’s going to get sorted. It’s out of my hands, so we’ll see what happens."

Despite the uncertainty, Carrick stressed his focus remains firmly on finishing the season strongly, particularly after securing Champions League football - starting with another victory at the Stadium of Light.

"It’s a matter of days ago, and we’ve still got games to go," he added. "From my point of view, it’s just about putting the boys in the best place to finish strongly."

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Carrick also emphasised that his approach has remained consistent regardless of his own future, insisting he has operated with a long-term mindset throughout his spell in charge.

"From the start, I’ve never approached a day here with short-term decisions," he added. "Everything we’ve done has been about the long term, developing players and improving the group."

With three matches remaining, Carrick set out his message to the squad, urging pride and responsibility as they look to complete the season on a high.

"It's about pride, responsibility and playing for this great club," he continued. "Getting into the Champions League is a step, but it’s not the end - we want to keep improving and finish strong."

It remains to be seen whether Carrick will be handed the keys to the Old Trafford dressing room on a permanent basis, but the former England midfielder is proving very popular with the senior players.

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Mainoo said he would "die" for the 44-year-old in the immediate aftermath of the victory against Liverpool, while Matheus Cunha and Harry Maguire also spoke in glowing terms concerning the incumbent United boss' impact since the departure of Ruben Amorim.

Next season promises to be a tougher challenge, with the additional games in Europe, and Carrick was asked about how the club would look to build a squad capable of handling the increased schedule demands.

"There are different challenges within that," he said "I think largely, the boys are used to playing more games than we have done, over a period of time, over a number of years.

"I think this has been a bit unique of not being in cup competitions and extended periods of no games. We’ve had to adjust a little bit. There is certainly going to be a change and a shift.

"That is part of evolving in the squad and growing the squad. A little bit more experience, some younger players with more experience. It will be a natural step to take that one. As a club, we’ll face it head on."

Carrick criticises venue move for FA Youth Cup final

Meanwhile, Carrick has criticised Manchester City's decision to stage the FA Youth Cup final against United at their Joie Stadium training complex rather than Etihad Stadium.

This year's final is to be shown live on TNT Sports 1 on May 14, with kick off at 19:00 BST.

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City confirmed earlier this week that next Thursday's final will be held at the 7,000-capacity venue within their City Football Academy, despite United being allocated just 968 tickets for the fixture, which sold out within minutes.

The move means the showpiece will not take place at a Premier League stadium, with City having previously hosted Youth Cup finals at their training ground on several occasions.

By contrast, United’s 2022 triumph over Nottingham Forest was played in front of a record crowd of 67,492 at Old Trafford.

Carrick, a Youth Cup winner with West Ham United in 1999, expressed his disappointment at the decision, highlighting the significance of the occasion for young players.

"I’m disappointed, to be honest," he said. "Getting to the Youth Cup final always seems like something where you play at the main stadium. It’s such a showcase event for that age group."

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He added that the competition had produced some of his own most cherished memories as a player.

"I’ve had some amazing memories in that competition, playing with your close mates," he said.

"It’s a shame it hasn’t worked out for whatever reason, but it’s still a fantastic game and a great opportunity for the boys. I’m looking forward to going to support them."

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