Roy Keane remains unconvinced by Michael Carrick’s career at Manchester United despite his excellent form since taking over on an interim basis
Roy Keane didn’t hold back (Image: Getty Images)
Roy Keane has reiterated his belief that Michael Carrick should not become Manchester United’s next permanent head coach. Carrick, 44, has produced some excellent performances since returning to Old Trafford on an interim basis in mid-January, securing seven wins and one draw in his nine games in charge.
This impressive spell has seen United move up to third in the Premier League table and put them in a good position to qualify for next season’s Champions League. But despite the Reds enjoying a dramatic improvement in results since Carrick’s arrival, Keane is still not convinced that he is the right candidate to lead the club on a full-time basis.
Asked if he would hand Carrick the United manager job permanently in the summer, Keane told Sky Sports: “I don’t think so. I think there are better options.”
“I think he did a very good job in terms of winning the games he played in and the football games. He obviously simplified things, but there was no danger in those games.”
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“They’ve had three weeks to prepare for the game. It was a good time for him to come in and he’s done a very good job. I take my hat off to him and if he gets the job in the summer I’ll say, ‘Listen, good luck.’ But I think there are better options for the next Manchester United manager.”
“If Carrick had been named as the next Manchester United manager three months ago, you would have been locked in. Everyone would have said he wasn’t part of the equation, but because of the timing, he’s had his chance and he’s doing a very good job.”
“I think there are better options out there. Quite simply, he has done a very good job. Manchester United are now certainly qualified for the Champions League, but when we decide (on the next manager) we will have to interview people and see what is out there.”
The former United captain added: “Most players prefer an interim manager. It’s different when he comes in and has to make decisions about contracts, pre-season and medical staff, transfers and recruitment.”
“His job over the last few months has been to win football games. We all know that’s a manager’s job, but he didn’t get distracted by being a manager. Of course he did it and I give him credit, but if he’s given that job, he has other responsibilities.”
“I think the manager of Manchester United needs someone with more experience in terms of winning trophies and competing in Europe, and he doesn’t have that. He might get it in a few years and he might be in the running for it then, but the fact that he’s winning football matches at the moment obviously gives him a big chance.”
Michael Carrick won seven of nine games as caretaker manager of Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)
“There’s always been talk about people loving him, but I’m not sure if that was the case with not beating Newcastle with 10 men. He beat Aston Villa today and Aston Villa were a real shocker. The more I look at Aston Villa, especially given their poor form today, I think they’re going to miss out on a chance in Europe.”
“So it’s good timing for United. In today’s game, Villa have finished their European campaign and United have had a poor start to the season, so there’s nothing to distract them. And let’s not forget that this is the same group of players who finished 15th.”
“So while other people might be giddy about Man Utd finishing third in the league, I’m not. I don’t get excited about things like that. I get excited when teams win trophies and compete week in and week out. So I’m not the type to get too excited.”
Meanwhile, former United striker Rooney offered a different opinion. In fact, the 40-year-old told BBC 5 Live that he intends to give Carrick the full-time job at the end of the season. Asked if Carrick should be given a permanent role, Rooney said: “100 per cent it should be.”
Rooney added: “We knew this was going to happen with Michael Carrick. I know him very well, I know his character and his character.” “We needed calmness, but knowing the place and the players, we needed love and he gave them that.
Manchester United are third in the Premier League table (Image: Oli SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
“We’re seeing the players playing more quality, we’re seeing them coming together more as a team and we look like a very strong team. So, to me, why should you change?”
“We’ve got a guy who has the best winning percentage of any Manchester United manager after a lot of games, so for me he needs to get the job.”
Keane and Rooney spoke after United further strengthened their Champions League ambitions with a 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday. The Reds took the lead with a goal from Casemiro just after the interval, but Ross Barkley equalized with a powerful shot past Senne Lamence. But Carrick’s side showed resilience and regained the advantage as Matheus Cunha found the back of the net and Benjamin Sesco sealed victory with a late goal.
After the game, Carrick said, “I can enjoy winning.” “It feels good and we’ll continue to get used to it. We’re putting a lid on it and understanding where we are and what we need to do to win games like today. We’re in a good spot at the moment, but we still have a lot to play.”
United’s next game is a trip to Bournemouth on Friday night. Victory at the Vitality Stadium would give them a six-point lead over fourth-placed Aston Villa, eight points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool and extend their advantage over sixth-placed Chelsea to six points.
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