Gary Neville believes Michael Carrick has put himself in pole position to become the next Man Utd manager after earning Champions League qualification with a 3-2 win over Liverpool.
Carrick's side made a blistering start, scoring twice in the opening quarter of an hour, before being pegged back early in the second half.
However, a man the Man Utd boss brought back into the fold, Kobbie Mainoo, came up trumps to score the winner and seal the Red Devils' return to Europe's elite competition.
The victory was Carrick's 10th from 14 games since taking over from Ruben Amorim. His 32 points is the most in the Premier League during that period, which has left Neville believing that his former team-mate is primed for the permanent hot seat.
"There's no one really being seriously linked with the job. He's put himself in pole position with what he's done," Neville said post-match.
"I think there are things that have emerged that will give Man Utd fans comfort that they are in safe hands. Man Utd need some stability. They've not had that for the last few years, but he will bring that in the sense that everyone trusts him.
"Fans like him, the players obviously like him. The owners will trust him. Next year, he's got 55-60 games with the Champions League and surely they won't go out in the first rounds of the cup competitions. Then it's all a different level of management and scrutiny. It's a lot more challenging. Does he have the experience? Does he have the body of work to rely upon?
However, Neville is still not convinced that Carrick is the right man long-term, suggesting that the Old Trafford outfit need a head coach with experience of winning top titles.
"Some people say 'why don't you give him a year contract and give him a further year to stabilise things further?' I don't think I can argue with that," he added.
"But, if a world-class manager became available that has won titles, Manchester United should probably pursue that route because the last five managers have not had that super club experience. Michael would be another who hasn't quite got that."
By qualifying for the Champions League with games to spare, Carrick has smashed the club's primary goal for him out of the park, strengthening his case to follow in the footsteps of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2019.
However, the 44-year-old was still not willing to be drawn into any discussions regarding his future.
"It's not about what I like or what I do not like. It's not in my control. Everything has gone so well, we know the situation and where we are," Carrick told Your Site.
"I am happy with where we are at the moment and we still want to get better. Let's see what happens next.
"At this moment in time, it's not something I am thinking about."
Jamie Carragher is also unconvinced that Carrick's profile is right to take United back to the top. However, he believes the former midfielder should be given the job to keep things steady at the Theatre of Dreams for another year.
"I don't see the thinking that Michael Carrick's the man to get Manchester United back to winning the Champions League or Premier League. I do feel he should get the job," Carragher said.
"Not because he's done so well and deserves it. Manchester United need to do what's best for them. But, if you think where they have been over the last two or three years and what they achieved, they could be laughed at. They finished 15th last season.
"What he's done is calm everything down. Manchester United should always be in the Champions League positions due to how big the club is. That's what he's done. He's done what he should do.
"I think they could do with another year of that. I don't think this summer is going to make them ready to challenge. They need another year of this and the risk of changing someone who is not going to cause trouble and not going to fall out with players...is steady enough for Manchester United? I think for 12 months, it is."
Roy Keane says he remains unconvinced Andoni Iraola has what it takes to be the next Man Utd manager.
The Bournemouth head coach is leaving his current role this summer, with the Cherries well placed for back-to-back top-half finishes under the Spaniard.
However, while Keane has been impressed by Iraola's work on the south coast, he says the demands are different at Old Trafford amid rumours that the Spaniard could be in contention if United's hierarchy decide to move on from Carrick.
"I'm not sure if he's done enough yet," the former United captain told Your Site. "I'm sure United are looking at him, his contract is up. But could I see him coming to Man Utd? Probably not.
"It depends on the remit, the remit at Bournemouth is different to Man Utd. At Man Utd, they threaten to win titles but [at Bournemouth] it is keep winning matches while you sell players and bring in the revenue.
"There is a different pressure at Bournemouth to Man Utd. Would he be an option? I don't know. You've asked me if I see him coming to Man Utd, maybe not.
"But he has done an amazing job."
