Roy Keane Advocates for Experienced Leadership Over Carrick's Interim Success
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has publicly outlined three managerial candidates he believes would be superior choices to Michael Carrick for the permanent role at Old Trafford. This comes despite Carrick's impressive stint as interim boss, which has included notable victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, sparking discussions about his potential long-term appointment.
Keane's Firm Stance on Managerial Experience
Speaking on The Overlap, Keane emphasised that Carrick's recent successes should not overshadow the need for a manager with substantial experience to lead United back to title contention. "I hope they give it to him, I hope they give it to him in the summer," Keane remarked, while clarifying his scepticism. "I don't think it's the right decision, but good luck with it. I'm sticking to my guns."
Keane argued that the responsibilities of a caretaker manager differ significantly from those of a permanent manager tasked with securing league titles over multiple seasons. "Caretaker manager is a different animal to being manager of United trying to win league titles over the next two, three, four, five years," he stated. "I think you can get a better manager than Carrick, absolutely."
Identifying the 'Better Options' for United
Keane specifically named three high-profile managers who meet his criteria of experience and proven success:
- Thomas Tuchel, the current England manager
- Luis Enrique, who manages Paris Saint-Germain
- Diego Simeone, in charge at Atletico Madrid
"There's better options out there," Keane asserted. "It could be Tuchel, it could be Enrique. I like Simeone. Go and get the best."
Carrick's Current Challenges and Future Prospects
While acknowledging Carrick's effective handling of the team in recent weeks, Keane questioned his readiness for the full managerial role. "Michael Carrick is going to be the manager of Man United? He hasn't got enough experience. I don't think he'll have enough football knowledge," he commented. However, Keane left room for reconsideration, adding, "If he goes in and proves me wrong and starts competing and winning titles, I'll say, 'Tell you what. Unbelievable.'"
Carrick faces immediate challenges, including a Premier League match against Fulham, where he will be without key players like Patrick Dorgu due to a hamstring injury, alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee. Despite this, his interim tenure continues to be a focal point of debate among fans and pundits alike.
Keane concluded by stressing that United's decision should prioritise long-term title ambitions over short-term gains, urging the club to adhere to a rigorous process in selecting their next leader.
