Michael Carrick wants to see improvements and further progress as the Manchester United head coach looks to next season and beyond.
The Press Association understands that the 44-year-old has broadly agreed to terms on a deal to keep him at Old Trafford following an impressive short-term stint in charge.
Carrick was brought in for the remainder of the campaign following Ruben Amorim’s January exit and has overseen a marked upturn, with United sealing Champions League qualification with three games to spare.
The former midfielder could sign terms before Sunday’s final home game of the season against Nottingham Forest and is excited for what the group can achieve over the coming seasons.
“You’ve always got to aim upwards, for sure,” Carrick said. “I think that’s just the beauty of football and the beauty of competition – to achieve something, to then back it up, to then improve on things. I think that’s always the challenge.
“For the players, for the squad, for the whole group, for the football club, we only keep moving in a positive way and in the right direction.
“The closer you get to the top, obviously there’s less room for progress, but progress is certainly what needs to be aimed for.”
Carrick’s qualities have been complemented by a coaching staff of Jonny Evans, Travis Binnion, Jonathan Woodgate and Steve Holland.
The latter spent 11 years as Sir Gareth Southgate’s assistant manager, first with England Under-21s and then the senior team, and has been praised for his work as United’s number two.
“Steve’s been fantastic,” Carrick said. “He’s got an awful lot of experience and seen pretty much everything before, and gone through it in some good times and in some more challenging times.
“He’s a very wise man, Steve, and says things that really are important at the right time.
“I think just general calmness and composure around for everyone – for me, and for my staff and for the players as well.
“I think with all the staff, there’s the dynamics of bringing something a little bit different.
“Steve obviously is in that role where he’s got the experience for us and for us to lean on, and there’s absolutely no shame in that at all.”
United will hope to again benefit from that experience against Forest on Sunday, when Casemiro bids a final farewell to Old Trafford ahead of his contract expiring.
The 34-year-old midfielder has been cleared to play having missed last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Sunderland, while Manuel Ugarte has also trained after sitting out that match through injury.
Matthijs de Ligt is out for the remainder of the campaign having undergone surgery on a problematic back issue, while Benjamin Sesko is dealing with a shin injury that forced him off against Liverpool.
Carrick said: “Ben’s not as straightforward as Case. He’s still not 100 per cent with the problem that he had. Apart from that, we’re all right.”
