Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has given his verdict on Michael Carrick’s impending appointment as new interim Reds manager and offered his contribution.
Wayne Rooney throws his hat in the ring to join Michael Carrick’s coaching staff (Image: The Wayne Rooney Show/YouTube)
Wayne Rooney has thrown his hat into the ring to join Michael Carrick’s coaching staff at Manchester United. The Red Devils are set to appoint Carrick as the club’s new interim manager until the summer.
Carrick, 44, met for the first time with the United board last week following the departure of Ruben Amorim and has since overtaken Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to lead the club for the remainder of the season. Carrick’s appointment is expected to be confirmed on Tuesday, with former teammate and United legend Rooney offering to help Carrick as part of the former Middlesbrough manager’s behind-the-scenes team.
Asked if he would join Carrick’s coaching staff, he told the BBC’s Wayne Rooney Show podcast: “Of course I will. I have no hesitation. By the way, I’m not begging for a job here. I want everyone to know that if I’m asked to join, of course I’ll do it. Appointing a manager is the most important thing.”
Both Solskjær and Carrick were seen as favorites to lead United until the end of the season, as United decided to find interim players before bringing in Amorim’s permanent replacement in the summer. Former United manager Solskjaer is clearly the frontrunner for the role and has been interviewed twice.
read more: Manchester United decide to transfer young star ahead of new manager appointmentread more: Michael Carrick wins Manchester United manager race after senior players reject Ole Gunnar Solskjær
However, he was left out after some players went to the club’s leadership and told them they did not want Solskjær back. The players have made it clear they have little faith in Solskjaer and are understood to want Carrick, who has been out of work since leaving Middlesbrough last June, to be in charge for the remainder of the season.
Rooney believes Carrick is “perfect” for the role. “Whether Michael comes in, whether it’s Fletch (Darren Fletcher) or John O’Shea or myself, we need someone who knows the football club,” said Rooney, who recently holidayed in Barbados with Carrick and his family.
Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick were teammates at Manchester United (Image: Jon Peters)
“Roy Keane – I know Roy has an opinion, but I said that at the beginning of the season about Roy coming in. “To have people who know the club, who care about the club and who understand what it takes to be a Manchester United player, that’s what the club needs.
“The club has lost its identity, it has lost its family atmosphere. Whether it’s Ole[Ole Gunnar Solskjær]or Michael, this is an opportunity to get that back, an opportunity to get the spirit of Manchester United back into the football club.”
Darren Fletcher was in charge as United’s caretaker manager during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Burnley and Sunday’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Brighton. However, he will be replaced by Carrick, whose first game in the dugout will be this weekend’s Manchester derby against Manchester City.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
