Senior leaders Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire are spearheading a dressing room revolt to keep Michael Carrick permanent after he secured a vital Champions League return.
Michael Carrick has successfully achieved his overarching goal of returning Manchester United to the pinnacle of European football following the club's 3-2 win over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
Goals from Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško, and Kobbie Mainoo secured a dramatic win despite Arne Slot's men fighting back in the second half, with the three points sealing United's position inside the Premier League's top five for the campaign.
With Champions League football as the club's primary goal when Carrick was appointed in January, the current United boss secured it with three games to spare, leading many to wonder whether he is the long-term solution.
While the club have always been firm in stating no decision will be made until Champions League football is secured, there is a growing feeling among fans that his appointment will be inevitable.
Three United players backing Carrick
According to fresh reports in the wake of the win over Liverpool, Carrick now has the firm backing of United's dressing room to become the next permanent manager of the club.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, senior United trio Matheus Cunha, Harry Maguire, and club captain Bruno Fernandes have made it known to the club's hierarchy that they want the 44-year-old to remain at the club for next season.
This is also something United's players have been openly discussing, with Cunha telling reporters on Sunday afternoon he believes Carrick deserves the job.
"It's amazing, he's a pleasure, and of course, I think he deserves it," Cunha said when asked by the press about playing under Carrick.
"Look, I sat on the bench with him, and how he teaches everyone is amazing.
"I think he has the magic like with the [Sir Alex] Ferguson times, these kinds of things. He came to teach us how it was, to be part of everything, and then he did this."
Carrick expecting talks soon
Further to this, talkSPORT have also reported that sources close to Carrick are expecting formal discussions over his future to begin imminently.
It's claimed that the club are aware of the backing and support he has from United's dressing room, although they are yet to offer the Englishman any assurances over a permanent role.
While United are still reportedly set to talk with other possible candidates, the fact that no talks have taken place yet is seen as a positive sign that Carrick is edging closer to becoming United's new permanent manager.
The Guardian have also reported that United are expected to offer him the role, with sources stating it will then be his to turn down.
With ten wins in 14 fixtures under Carrick this time round, it's hard to see why the club would look to move on during a summer market where there are scarce other high-level available managers out there.