Nemanja Matic says 44-year-old is excellent choice for Man Utd manager

Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has said that Michael Carrick should be given the permanent managerial position by the Red Devils.

The 44-year-old was appointed as the Red Devils' interim head coach in January and he has since transformed the club's fortunes in the league.

United have jumped to third in the table with six wins from eight matches, and they are in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League.

Matic has now backed Carrick for the permanent position this summer, he said: "Michael Carrick was an excellent choice [for the interim role]. "They [the owners] need to give him a couple of years to rebuild the team."

United received huge boost earlier today with Chelsea's 1-0 loss to Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge. They now need to capitalise against the Villans.

A win over the Midlands outfit tomorrow would send them six points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea, who could drop to sixth if Liverpool draw or win vs Tottenham.