The conversation around Manchester United's next permanent manager is heating up, and a familiar name is gaining serious momentum. Former Red Devils defenders John O'Shea and Danny Simpson have publicly thrown their support behind interim boss Michael Carrick, believing he's the right man for the job long-term.

Speaking at a club foundation event, O'Shea pointed to Carrick's deep understanding of United's culture as a key asset. "He's doing a fantastic job at the minute," O'Shea stated, acknowledging a recent tough result against Leeds but expressing confidence Carrick would have the squad ready for Chelsea. "First and foremost the experience he's got, knowing the club inside out... I think Michael is making everyone's mind up himself with the work he's doing."

Danny Simpson echoed the sentiment, highlighting the dramatic turnaround in the team's spirit and results since Carrick took charge. "If you would have said before Michael took over that they would be in this position, I think United fans would have snapped your hand off," Simpson said. He praised the return of a classic United identity, noting, "It's the old Man United—fighting until the end, getting last-minute goals, and getting the fans engaged."

This endorsement from two former players who know what it takes to succeed at Old Trafford adds significant weight to Carrick's candidacy. As the season reaches its climax, his ability to secure results and restore the club's fighting ethos may well be the deciding factor in the boardroom.