Forget lowball Barca, Carrick might fancy Rashford for United

CONSIDERING he had not previously held a permanent managerial role in the Premier League, plenty of observers believe Michael Carrick is very fortunate to be in charge of Manchester United.

- ANDY DUNN

Not only is he in charge of the Red Devils until the end of the season, the long-term job increasingly looks as though it is his for the taking.

If that happens, the same observers will probably believe Carrick should be grateful for the opportunity.

And they would be right - but only to an extent.

If Carrick has a storming end to the season and easily qualifies for the Champions League, he will not just be in prime position to be confirmed in the role, he will be in a position of strength when it comes to negotiation.

Not just in terms of remuneration and length of contract, but in terms of executive power.