The permanent Manchester United job is Michael Carrick’s to lose.That’s according to talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook, who believes the Red Devils interim head coach has put himself in pole position to take the role on a full-time basis.Man United have topped the Premier League form table since Carrick took chargeGettySince taking the hotseat at Old Trafford in January, Carrick has transformed the club’s fortunes, taking 23 points from a possible 30.During this time, he has overseen just one defeat in 10 matches, leaving United on the cusp of Champions League qualification.This has led to calls for Carrick to be appointed permanently, despite some heavyweight names also being thrown in the hat.Thomas Tuchel had long been linked with the job, but appeared to put an end to speculation when he signed a new two-year deal as England manager.Other high-profile names touted as a potential targets are Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti as well as ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, who is currently in charge of the USA.Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner – who will leave the club at the end of the season – has also been mentioned, as well as Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva at Fulham, who are both out of contract in the summer.Despite this, talkSPORT understands Man United chiefs have not yet interviewed any other candidates for the permanent role.‘An incredible case’While Man United have no shortage of names to consider before deciding on a permanent appointment, talkSPORT’s Crook believes Carrick has put himself in a strong position, but urged caution.Speaking on talkSPORT’s Inside Devils podcast, the Red Devils fan and journalist said: “My stance on this has not really wavered. “I still think it’s too early at this moment in time. There are still seven games to go. Carlo Ancelotti has won five Champions League titles in his illustrious managerial careerGettyMauricio Pochettino spent five years in charge of Tottenham between 2014 and 2019getty“Yes, they’re in a brilliant position under Michael Carrick to bring Champions League football back to Old Trafford.”Crook added that securing Champions League qualification will boost Carrick’s case, and insisted that the club would not be repeating past mistakes if they were to name the Englishman permanently. United have been reminded about their decision to hand Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the full-time role in 2018, after overseeing an upturn in form as interim boss.On how Champions League qualification will boost Carrick’s claim, Crook said: “If he does that, and certainly if he can finish in the top three, as we’re on course to do, then he’s got an incredible case to go and take to his paymasters. “But I think they’re right to keep their powder dry for now. “I don’t necessarily buy into the fact that it counts against him, because of what happened with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, because the two individuals have to be treated in isolation.”Cesc Fabregas has been in charge of Como since 2023GettyCrook: No one is ahead of CarrickOne man who has recently been tipped to take charge of a big-name club is former Arsenal and Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas,The Spaniard has impressed in his first role in senior management at Como, leading them to promotion to Serie A in 2024, while they now occupy a Champions League position after 31 games.It has recently been reported that Fabregas would be open to taking the Man United role, but Crook dismissed him as a better candidate than Carrick.He continued: “If you’re asking me, would you get rid of Michael Carrick and bring in an Arsenal legend in Fabregas who isn’t proven in the Premier League in terms of management, then I don’t think that will be a forward step.”It wasn’t just Fabregas who failed to convince Crook, who insisted Carrick is the clear standout candidate, ahead of other huge names.He said: “At the moment, as much as I want to keep my powder dry and just want this winning run to continue and then there’ll be a decision to make.Michael Carrick has overseen some impressive results in his tenure so far, including beating Manchester City and ArsenalGetty“I don’t see an obvious candidate who’s going to get ahead of Michael Carrick.“Thomas Tuchel, I think, would have been the one for me, but obviously he’s committed himself to England. “I don’t think they’re going to wait until after the World Cup for a Pochettino or an Ancelotti because they need to plan for next season. “Carrick, as I understand it, is already part of those recruitment meetings and would have had a say on Maguire extending his contract and Kobbie Mainoo being offered a new deal.“You look closer to home, Oliver Glasner, I don’t think he’s covered himself in glory at all this season at Crystal Palace. So, I’m not having him instead of Michael Carrick. “Is Marco Silva a step up? Yes, he’s more experienced, but again, not really sure you can make the case for that. Inside Devils on talkSPORTThere's nowhere else that does Manchester United like talkSPORT.Stay ahead of every tactical shift, manager sacking and transfer rumour by making talkSPORT’s Inside Devils show your weekly go to for all things Man United.Subscribe now to ensure you never miss a beat of the action one episode at a time, sponsored by BetMGM.Download the app or visit BetMGM.co.uk. 18+gambleaware.org“Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth – I’ve always subscribed to the opinion that I think he’d struggle to handle the real big personalities in the dressing room and the pressure that comes with being United manager.“So I think it is Carrick’s to lose. I don’t think there’s any question about that.”