Manchester United legend Roy Keane has launched a scathing attack on Michael Carrick's first major decision since returning to Old Trafford as interim manager, taking aim at the appointments of Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate to the coaching staff.
Keane's Barbados Jibe Over Evans Appointment
Carrick, who took temporary charge until the season's end with his first match being Saturday's Manchester derby, has assembled a backroom team featuring Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, and former United defender Jonny Evans. Existing club staff Travis Binnion and Craig Mawson have also been promoted.
While Gary Neville praised the addition of experienced ex-Chelsea and England coach Steve Holland on The Overlap, Keane directed his ire at Woodgate and, in particular, Evans. Keane pointed out the bizarre timeline that saw Evans leave his role as the club's loans manager just weeks ago, only to be handed a first-team coaching position first by caretaker Darren Fletcher and now by Carrick.
"He's on the beach two weeks ago, Jonny Evans," Keane remarked sarcastically. "Jonny Evans leaves Man United four or five weeks ago as a loans manager and then Fletch gives him a job, strangely enough gives him a job... He has two games, Fletch goes and Carrick gives him a job, great isn't it. We should all go to Barbados for a week."
'What Has Jonny Evans Done?' - Keane Questions Credentials
Keane's core argument centred on Evans's lack of top-level coaching experience, suggesting his CV was being overlooked due to Holland's respected presence. The Northern Irishman has minimal coaching pedigree at the elite level, a fact Keane hammered home.
"You're saying you don't know anything about Jonny Evans' coaching, because he's never coached! That's my point!" Keane exclaimed to Neville. "But he's gone into Man United! And that's ok because we've got Stevie Holland! A new guru!"
He repeatedly asked: "What has Jonny Evans done to be a coach of Man United's first team? He left the job four weeks ago, loans manager, and ironically comes back working with the first team. That's a big step up isn't it?"
A Warning Against United's 'Old Boys' Network'
Keane used the example of Darren Fletcher's recent brief and unsuccessful caretaker stint – which yielded a draw with Burnley and a loss to Brighton – to warn against the club's tendency to fall back on former players. He mocked the idea that familiarity with the club's culture trumps proven coaching ability.
"It can work, but it doesn't work always, this idea of bringing someone in from the club," Keane stated. "Fletch, the last few weeks before Burnley and Brighton: 'Fletch knows the club, he works at the academy, he knows the girl in the canteen...' How did the two games go?"
In contrast, Carrick himself defended his choices upon his appointment on January 15, 2026. He highlighted Holland's "unbelievable wealth of experience" and described Woodgate as "loyal and very knowledgeable," claiming the former Middlesbrough boss provides the "perfect balance" and pushes him.
The debate highlights the immediate scrutiny facing Carrick's set-up, with his old teammate Keane making it clear that sentiment should play no part in the fight to restore United's fortunes.
