Manchester United are set to speak to Michael Carrick about staying in charge beyond the end of the season, the Press Association understands. The 44-year-old has surpassed the expectations of many since taking over for the remainder of the campaign in January following an acrimonious end to Ruben Amorim’s rocky Red Devils reign. Carrick has overseen a marked improvement in mood and results, with United clinching Champions League qualification with three matches to spare and on the verge of securing third spot in the Premier League. That upturn has put the club’s former midfielder, captain and coach in pole position to stay in a post it is understood he will speak to the club about before the end of the season. United have explored other options but Carrick has long been considered the front-runner for a job that he has been publicly backed for by a number of players.…