Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Michael Carrick, Louis Van Gaal Rumours

Michael Carrick would reportedly "be willing to stay" at Manchester United past the summer if Jose Mourinho replaces manager Louis van Gaal.

The Englishman's contract expires at the end of June, and he has yet to be offered a new one. Reports, such as from the Sun's Andrew Richardson, have indicated he could be set to leave the club he joined from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006.

However, according to Jeremy Cross in the Daily Star, Carrick, 34, "would consider performing a U-turn" and remaining at United should the club sack Van Gaal, as he has "endured a difficult relationship" with the Dutchman.

Cross added Everton, West Ham United and Stoke City are all interested in signing Carrick on a free transfer and that Mourinho would still have to be prepared to offer him a new deal if he comes in to replace Van Gaal at Old Trafford.

There is little doubt he deserves at least a one-year extension, with the Telegraph's James Ducker one of those who believes he is still United's best midfielder despite his age:

Carrick's experience is also hugely valuable in a squad that is largely made up of much younger players or relatively new additions at Old Trafford.

Of United's current players, only captain Wayne Rooney has been at the club longer than Carrick, and the former West Ham man has won five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League during his 10-season spell at Old Trafford.

James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images

If the England international is indeed unwilling to stay on under Van Gaal, it could be another nail in the coffin for the 64-year-old at Old Trafford.

His job is likely already hanging by a thread after United missed out on qualifying for next season's Champions League after a fifth-place finish in the 2015-16 Premier League, and even victory in Saturday's FA Cup final against Crystal Palace is unlikely to save him, per football writer Sam Pilger:

Mourinho continues to be tipped as the No. 1 option to replace him, such as by Sky Sports News HQ's Andy Burton.

Cross reported that Carrick "has become disillusioned" after another poor campaign under Van Gaal, a feeling seemingly shared by many fans of the club, who booed the manager during his end-of-season address, per Samuel Luckhurst in the Manchester Evening News. 

Reports have also emerged of other players having a similar attitude to Carrick, with Bleacher Report's Dean Jones previously suggesting goalkeeper David De Gea could leave this summer if Van Gaal remains in charge:

United cannot afford to lose the likes of Carrick and De Gea as they continue to struggle through their post-Sir Alex Ferguson transitional period.

If the United hierarchy has not already made up its mind to push Van Gaal out after the FA Cup final, reports of Carrick's stance should force them another step closer to showing him the door and ending an ignominious period for the Manchester club.