Michael Carrick planning for next season despite uncertainty over Man Utd role

Michael Carrick has confirmed he is taking an active role in Manchester United’s planning for next season, despite awaiting a decision on his own future.

Carrick has made a strong impression as head coach since arriving as Ruben Amorim’s replacement in January, but remains unsure if there is a role for him beyond the current campaign.

He has received significant backing from the dressing room after helping lift the side firmly back into the Champions League shake-up and is already having his say over the future of the playing staff as his own wait continues.

Defender Harry Maguire signed a new one-year contract this week, a call Carrick was involved in alongside chief executive Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox.

“Certainly, in the role I’m in, there’s decisions that need taking care of,” he said.

“I said it as soon as I came here – I’m part of that and whatever that looks like moving forward, I’m part of that.

“I’m trying to improve things and make things better all the time. Certainly there’s conversations in different directions and different things that I’m definitely part of. And I think it should be that way anyway, because things need done. So I’m here to take care of that.”

In the more immediate term, Carrick has to focus on Monday night’s clash with rivals Leeds.

Maguire is suspended for that game, meaning a possible return for Lisandro Martinez in central defence.

The Argentina defender has missed five games with a calf problem but took a full part in the recent training camp in Ireland, leaving Carrick to weigh up the extent of his involvement.

“We wouldn’t be pushed into anything. That’s a decision that we’ll take,” he said.

“He’s back training, which is great, and back on the grass. But we’ve certainly got to