Former Manchester United twins Rafael and Fabio da Silva have offered their assessment of Michael Carrick as a decision on a permanent manager draws near. Carrick has made a strong impression since assuming the interim role in January, enhancing results and bringing stability to the side.

He has secured victory in seven of his 11 fixtures at the helm, suffering just two defeats, leaving United third in the table. Monday's home loss to Leeds United proved a disappointment, and another stern examination lies ahead with a trip to Chelsea at the weekend as they maintain their pursuit of European football.

Carrick's efforts away from the spotlight have not escaped attention, with the former midfielder receiving acclaim from his squad and pundits throughout the football world. However, United are still evaluating other prospective candidates, with a final decision anticipated in the summer.

For the time being, the hierarchy are concentrated on concluding the season positively and securing Champions League qualification - a competition they haven't participated in since the 2023/24 campaign, when they failed to advance beyond the group stage.

Rafael, who spent seven years at Old Trafford alongside his brother Fabio, also shared the dressing room with Carrick. Speaking on Inside Carrington, the duo emphasised the progress the club have demonstrated since Carrick took charge. "He started very good," Rafael said. "Of course, he lost [on Sunday], but all the time he is there, we feel United is improving and improving. And I have this mentality we should keep Michael Carrick and give him a chance to let this team grow, you know?"

Fabio echoed those sentiments, adding: "Yeah, when I was with him, I [could] see because his intelligence on the pitch and how he read the game so well and the way he talks. I knew [he would] be a great fit for a coach."

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A number of players have thrown their weight behind the 44 year old to secure the permanent position. When quizzed on whether the support from his squad meant a great deal to him, Carrick responded: "I think the most important thing for me about all that is that we're all pulling in the same direction.

"Whatever's said is going to be said, but I think the feeling, the willingness to do things together and to be positive, to be in a good place where we're positive and hopefully winning games, for me, that's the biggest thing really. After that, things will get solved in one way or another.

"I think it's nice for the boys to feel so positive and be in a good frame of mind that they're enjoying the football. Obviously, we want that to continue as much as possible."

United return to action on Saturday, facing European rivals Chelsea in west London (8pm) as they look to consolidate their position in third place, following the defeat to Leeds which left them level on 55 points with Aston Villa in fourth.