Michael Carrick confirmed as Manchester United's permanent head coach

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as their permanent head coach on a two-year contract.

The 44-year-old took interim charge after Ruben Amorim was sacked in January and has delivered Champions League qualification with an impressive run that has seen United guaranteed third place in the Premier League.

No top-flight club has won more points than the 36 United have collected since Carrick's appointment on January 13. He has won 11 of his 16 matches in charge and has been named on a six-man shortlist for the Premier League's manager of the season award.

What did Carrick say?

"From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United," Carrick said. "Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride."

He added: "Throughout the past five months, this group of players have shown they can reach the standards of resilience, togetherness and determination that we demand here."

How did the appointment happen?

Director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada recommended Carrick to the ownership after concluding he was the right man for the job. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family gave the green light.

United privately say that after a "thorough and discreet process," Carrick was ruled the best choice. Other candidates, including England boss Thomas Tuchel, ruled themselves out by extending existing contracts.

Of particular importance was Carrick's attention to the club's academy teams, in stark contrast to Amorim, who only watched one youth match in person during his tenure, when it was taking place on a pitch at Carrington within yards of his office.

What about the coaching staff?

There was no mention in United's statement of Carrick's coaching team, which has played a big part in his success. However, talks over their contracts are understood to be at an advanced stage with no issues expected. The experience of former England assistant Steve Holland is seen as particularly important.

What is the challenge now?

BBC reporter Simon Stone noted that despite 11 wins in 16 games, the hard work starts now. Third place in a 40-game season (with no Europe and early exits from both domestic cups) is one thing. Improving in a campaign that could extend to 60 matches is another.

Central midfield is the key area. Casemiro is leaving, Manuel Ugarte is "not good enough" according to Stone, and Kobbie Mainoo cannot play every game. Competition for Luke Shaw at left-back and for Senne Lammens in goal is also needed, with Radek Vitek wanting to continue playing regularly after an outstanding loan at Bristol City.

Support can come from the academy. Eighteen-year-old midfielder Jacob Devaney has impressed on loan at St Mirren, and England Under-20 international Shea Lacey is expected to get more chances next season. But as Stone wrote: "The academy cannot do the heavy lifting. Carrick needs support from the recruitment department."

Carrick spent 12 years at Old Trafford as a player, winning five Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FA Cup.