Former Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has made a passionate plea for the club to appoint Michael Carrick as their next permanent manager, stating the decision is one they "100 per cent have to" make. Rooney, who played alongside Carrick at Old Trafford, believes his former teammate is the ideal candidate to lead the Red Devils forward.
Carrick's Impressive Interim Tenure
Since taking over as interim head coach, Michael Carrick has overseen a remarkable turnaround, winning seven of his first ten matches in charge. This strong start has drawn comparisons to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's initial period at the helm, where the Norwegian injected a sense of fun and freedom into the squad, eventually guiding them to a runners-up finish in his first full season.
Rooney's Unwavering Support
Rooney emphasized that Carrick's calm demeanor, deep understanding of the club, and ability to connect with players have been crucial. "I know his character, his personality," Rooney said. "It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place and the players needed some love, and he has given them that."
He highlighted the visible improvements under Carrick, noting, "We have seen the players play with more quality, more together as a team, and they look like a very strong team. For me, why would you change? He has got the best winning percentage of any Manchester United manager after that many games. For me, he has to get the job."
Michael Owen Echoes Rooney's Sentiments
Another former United star, Michael Owen, has joined Rooney in backing Carrick. Owen expressed bewilderment at any suggestion that Carrick should not continue, pointing to the club's struggles over the past decade. "They have tried virtually everything," Owen told the Manchester Evening News. "And after a dozen years of trying and failing, you land on somebody that's getting a tune out of the players, they're winning games and looking progressive."
A Pragmatic Approach
Owen argued that dismissing Carrick would be a risky move, especially given the positive momentum. "Imagine if you got rid of Michael Carrick, just imagine it, and you brought in whoever, I don't care who it is, a born winner, they've already had that type of manager," he said. "Imagine if things start going poorly again. I mean, the ownership would get absolutely lynched."
He added a practical perspective, stating, "What's the worst that can happen? You give him a couple of years' contract, what's the worst that can happen? He starts the next season for the first three or four months, he loses every game and he's useless. You can part company. It's not like you've got to stick with someone for 10 years."
The calls from Rooney and Owen come amid ongoing speculation about Manchester United's managerial future, with Carrick's interim success making a compelling case for his permanent appointment. As the club weighs its options, the voices of these former stars underscore the growing belief that Carrick deserves a long-term opportunity to build on his promising start.
