Michael Carrick has been nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Season award despite taking charge of Manchester United only in January. The interim boss has transformed the Red Devils' campaign, winning ten of his 15 matches and lifting the club from seventh to third place, securing Champions League qualification in the process. His rapid ascent has forced the club's hierarchy to consider handing him the permanent role this summer.
Carrick faces competition from several high-profile managers in the running. Mikel Arteta of Arsenal is among the nominees after steering the Gunners into a title race, while Pep Guardiola at Manchester City remains in contention as he bids to claim another Premier League crown. Brentford's Keith Andrews has impressed with a charge towards European qualification, while Andoni Iraola could depart Bournemouth with the remarkable achievement of securing Champions League football. Regis Le Bris completes the shortlist after steadying Sunderland to a mid-table finish following their Championship promotion.
Arsenal dominate Player of the Season nominations
Three Arsenal players feature in the Player of the Season category: goalkeeper David Raya, centre-back Gabriel Magalhães, and midfielder Declan Rice. Manchester City's Erling Haaland leads the league with 26 goals and is among the contenders, alongside January arrival Antoine Semenyo, who has maintained his fine form from Bournemouth. Igor Thiago of Brentford brings 22 goals to the conversation, while Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White and Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes round out the nominations.
Fernandes currently stands as the favourite for the award, having provided 19 assists across the season. The English playmaker has been instrumental in United's resurgence under Carrick, combining creativity with decisive action in midfield. Since taking the interim role, Manchester United have accumulated more points than any other Premier League club, underlining the scale of Carrick's impact. Both awards will be decided by a combination of public voting and a panel of football experts, with winners set to be announced at the end of the campaign.
