Michael Carrick has never been the type to shout "give me the job," but on Sunday, he came closer than ever to making his case for the Manchester United head coach role permanent. Since taking over as interim boss in January, Carrick has quietly assembled an impressive resume that's hard to ignore.

Let's break down the numbers: Carrick has won 10 of his 14 matches in charge—a remarkable 71% win rate. During this period, no other Premier League team has collected more points than United. Even more impressive? Carrick's squad has defeated every member of the so-called "Super League" clubs, plus Aston Villa, who are on the verge of a Champions League qualification.

"It's been a good run," Carrick said with characteristic understatement. "We've beaten some very good teams and it's been challenging."

But the calm demeanor that defined his playing career hasn't changed in the dugout. "I love doing what I'm doing. It's a great position for me to be in and it feels pretty natural, if I'm totally honest," he added. "I'm not being blasé because it's a difficult role, but it feels like I've been here a long time. I can understand what it brings and to be sitting in this position is a good position to be in."

For a club that's been searching for stability since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, Carrick's quiet competence might be exactly what Old Trafford needs. And with the season winding down, the board has a decision to make: stick with the man who's already delivering results, or look elsewhere.