Man United latest: Michael Carrick given new permanent manager verdict as £43m transfer 'eyed'

Michael Carrick's Manchester United secured a crucial 1-0 victory at Chelsea, strengthening calls for the interim manager's permanent appointment

Manchester United took a giant step towards reclaiming their place among Europe's elite following a hard-earned 1-0 victory at Chelsea. United dealt a significant blow to the Londoners' continental aspirations while bolstering their own, courtesy of a solitary Matheus Cunha strike.

The triumph in west London keeps Michael Carrick's side firmly in the driving seat, sitting third in the Premier League with five games still to play. The former Middlesbrough boss has guided the club back towards familiar territory, having overseen eight victories in his opening 12 matches since stepping in as caretaker following Ruben Amorim's departure.

United have tasted defeat on just two occasions, yet they were utterly ruthless against Chelsea, with Bruno Fernandes edging ever closer to the assists record.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE.

You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don't miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

MEN Sport rounds up all the latest news from Old Trafford.

Michael Carrick endorsed for Manchester United role

Joe Cole and Owen Hargreaves have both supported Carrick's case to remain as United's permanent manager.

The 44-year-old is currently contracted until the end of the campaign, having been placed in temporary charge following Amorim's dismissal.

Opinion has remained divided over whether Carrick should be handed the role on a permanent basis, with the likes of Gary Neville and Roy Keane previously advocating for a more seasoned appointment.

However, Carrick has reversed the club's fortunes at Old Trafford, with both Cole and Hargreaves contending that he merits serious consideration. Cole said: "Realistically, I think it's secured. It's absurd to think of not giving it to him.

"He's come in, got more points than any other person in any other team. What more can you do? It would just be absurd, it wouldn't be a gamble, it would just be absurd [not to give it to him], he's proven it."

Hargreaves said: "He's proven that he can do the job. Since he's taken over, they've been the best team in the Premier League. They've beaten Man City and Arsenal, the two best teams in this division.

"He's shown that he can set up a game plan on the counter; obviously, today they did something similar. Carra understands the players and that's probably why he's there. He understands the pressure of playing for this football club.

"He puts the boys in the right positions where they need to play to succeed and they're better in every capacity. So, to not give it to him after giving it to him, probably at the time when you wouldn't have expected it, would be utterly ridiculous.

"I think today solidifies it. If they hadn't won today and not got in the Champions League places, you could have the debate, maybe bring in someone more experienced. After today and if he finishes third, I don't see how you couldn't give it to him. It wouldn't make any sense whatsoever."

United in Premier League battle for coveted defender

Manchester United are said to be eyeing Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande. According to Portuguese outlet A BOLA, via Sport Witness, United are locked in a battle with Premier League rivals Newcastle for his signature.

The 22-year-old has been touted with a switch to England for more than a year, though it is understood his displays against Arsenal in the Champions League have considerably raised his stock.

Diomande is reportedly regarded as a modern centre-back and brings consistency to the table, having clocked up more than a century of appearances for the Portuguese giants.

Crystal Palace have also been mentioned as a potential suitor, having explored a move last summer amid the uncertainty surrounding Marc Guehi, though a transfer failed to come to fruition.

The 22-year-old is said to have an €80million (£69m) release clause, but Sporting would reportedly be willing to negotiate a fee of around £43million — though with several clubs circling, the asking price could well be driven upwards.

Click here to read article