While Manchester United dropped two points on Friday evening against Bournemouth, the weekend's results have actually gone in their favour.

Chelsea and Liverpool both lost their own fixtures, meaning that Michael Carrick's side have gained a point on both of their rivals in the battle for Champions League qualification.

Since the decision to bring Carrick in, United have been in solid form and now seem almost certain to finish in the top four. That was certainly not a guarantee when he took charge.

This has also led to many people suggesting that the ex-United midfielder should be given the role permanently, while others are wary about that prospect and want a proven manager at the highest level.

Among those to show public support to Carrick is former teammate Rio Ferdinand. While other ex-players have been firm in their opinion that Carrick should not be handed the role, Ferdinand has suggested that he would deserve it if the positive form continues until the end of the season.

But the legendary defender has also provided some fresh details behind the club's process behind picking the next head coach.

Ferdinand has explained that United are set to take their time with the decision and interview other managers before deciding whether to stick or twist with Carrick.

"I have to say I think they’re going to interview other people from what I’m hearing," said Ferdinand on his podcast.

“They will do that, and they should do that. But at the end of the day, Michael Carrick’s come in, it’s a difficult job that he’s done. He’s made it look very easy so far.

“I don’t think anything should be rushed. I wouldn’t give it to him now. Even though listen, I’d love to see him get it. But I just think it’s the right thing to do is to wait until the end of the season, see how it’s all unfolded.”

Carrick has took charge of United across two short managerial spells and currently has nine wins, three draws and just one defeat in that time. More impressively, he has faced the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Aston Villa in that time.

At this point in time, nobody knows whether it is the right decision to appoint Carrick permanently or not. It is a difficult decision for those in charge at Old Trafford.

That is because there are no guarantees in football. He could stay next season and experience difficulties when juggling a European campaign with the Premier League, or another manager could come in and struggle like Ruben Amorim did.

One thing that Carrick will have over almost any other option is the fact he knows what the job entails. It is always a shock when a player or manager arrives at Manchester United, but he spent most of his career with the club and knows exactly what it's all about.

That has been shown during his conduct with the media in his interviews and press conferences, although there will be other options and United bosses will be picking their next head coach very carefully.