Manchester United are gradually approaching the time to decide on their next permanent manager, with Michael Carrick currently in charge until the end of this season.
Wayne Rooney supports Michael Carrick (Image: The Overlap)
Wayne Rooney believes Michael Carrick deserves the Manchester United job if they qualify for the Champions League. But Gary Neville insists the Old Trafford manager needs to aim to be the “best manager at the moment”.
Carrick, 44, led United to six wins, one draw and one loss in eight games on the hot seat. The former Red Devils midfielder was in charge until the end of this season, but has made a huge improvement in his form since the days of Ruben Amorim and is considered a permanent candidate.
United sit third in the Premier League table and are on track to qualify for the Champions League, with five spots expected to be up for grabs. Rooney expects Carrick’s side to qualify and says he “should” be able to earn the role.
“If they’re going to play Champions League football, I think he should get the job,” Rooney declared on the Stick to Football podcast. “If they’re looking for a new manager, he’ll put himself there. But I think he’ll definitely put himself in pole position.”
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Neville has been markedly non-committal about Carrick’s future, warning United not to go down the same path that saw him appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjær after a successful interim period in 2019. Last month, the former Red Devils right-back told Sky Sports: “Manchester United must pursue another manager now, given the fact that we don’t know what the outcome will be.”
“But something as small as Thomas Tuchel re-signing for England is starting to take away Manchester United’s options and it doesn’t hurt Michael’s chances of getting the job. If he gets United into the Champions League there will be a lot of excitement around him saying he should be used.”
“I’m not against his appointment, I love him dearly, but I think Manchester United should hire the best manager available.”
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Michael Carrick has turned Manchester United’s fortunes around (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
“The last two appointments have involved young, inexperienced managers. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has appointed former players before, but it ultimately didn’t work out, so we feel the right option is to remove as much risk as possible.”
Carrick hopes to strengthen his case on Sunday when United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford. Villa are just ahead of them on goal difference, making for a tantalizing showdown.
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