Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher has delivered a stark verdict on the long-term prospects of two Premier League giants, stating he does not believe Manchester United or Chelsea can win the league under their current interim managers.
Carragher's Title Doubts for Interim Bosses
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher was asked if Michael Carrick, after a dream start as Manchester United's caretaker boss, could be the permanent solution at Old Trafford. Carrick oversaw a well-deserved 2-0 derby win over Manchester City following the sacking of Ruben Amorim earlier in January 2026. Despite this, Carragher was unequivocal in his response.
"I'm ruling out Michael Carrick," Carragher stated. "I go back to this question – do I believe this guy can win the league? I have to believe he can. I don't believe Man Utd will win the league with Carrick, or Chelsea will with Liam Rosenior."
He added, "I'm not trying to be disrespectful, but you have to be special. I might be proven wrong."
Rosenior's Mixed Start at Stamford Bridge
Carragher extended his scepticism to Chelsea's new manager, Liam Rosenior. The former Strasbourg and Hull City boss took over at Stamford Bridge earlier in January 2026 following Enzo Maresca's departure.
Rosenior has won two of his three games in charge, securing an FA Cup victory against Charlton and a Premier League win over Brentford. His sole defeat came against Carabao Cup semi-final opponents Arsenal.
Despite this respectable start, Carragher does not see Rosenior as a manager capable of guiding Chelsea back to the summit of English football and challenging for the Premier League crown.
Carragher's Preferred Candidate for Manchester United
While dismissing Carrick's long-term credentials, Carragher named a clear alternative he believes could handle the pressures of the Manchester United job: Newcastle United's Eddie Howe.
"I'm a huge fan of Eddie Howe," Carragher said, who had previously labelled the sacked Amorim as a 'barely competent Premier League manager'. "The type of football when Newcastle are at their best is high energy going forward, but the real thing I like is that you have to be able to handle the pressures of Manchester United."
He highlighted Howe's experience of intense scrutiny at Newcastle as ideal preparation. "When you're in Newcastle and you live in that city, it's constant and he handles it brilliantly."
Carragher also pointed to Howe's coaching pedigree as a potential solution to a key United issue. "Where I think he could also help is that Manchester United have a problem with young players – a lot of them don't go on to fulfil their potential – but I think Eddie Howe is a great coach."
Howe's stock is high after guiding Newcastle to their first trophy since 1955 last season, winning the Carabao Cup while also securing Champions League qualification.
Carrick's immediate focus is a daunting trip to face title favourites Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. A positive result there would only intensify the debate about his future, despite Carragher's firm reservations about United's title chances under his stewardship.
