Wayne Rooney knows who he wants as Manchester United’s next manager and has sent a clear message to Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has given his verdict on Michael Carrick’s future (Image: Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney has insisted Michael Carrick “100 per cent” should be given the job as Manchester United’s permanent head coach. Carrick has done a fantastic job since taking over on an interim basis and is now fully backing Rooney, despite several big-name managers being rumored for the post.
After United’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, 40-year-old Rooney made his position on Carrick clear. The Reds secured another three points at Old Trafford and cemented their place in the top four, with goals from Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesco.
The result increases United’s chances of returning to the Champions League, with Chelsea and Liverpool also dropping down the table at the weekend. The Red Devils currently sit in third place, five points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool and six points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea. England are set to earn an extra spot in Europe’s elite club tournament next season, with United needing a maximum of 18 points from their remaining eight games to guarantee a top-five finish.
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Should Carrick seal the deal and bring United back into the Champions League, he would give himself a solid chance of securing the role permanently in the summer, despite being linked with the likes of Oliver Glasner, Roberto De Zerbi, Julian Nagelsmann, Andoni Iraola and Luis Enrique.
And Rooney has no doubts about who should be given the job. Speaking after Sunday’s win over Villa, Rooney was asked whether Carrick should be given the full-time head coaching job this summer, to which the former United striker replied: “100 per cent he should do it.”
Rooney added: “I 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 that to them. I see the players playing with more quality, I see them coming together more as a team and we look like a very strong team.”
“So, for me, why would you change? After all those games, we’ve got the guy who has the best winning percentage of any Manchester United manager coming in, so for me, he needs to get the job.”
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Carrick returned to the Reds in mid-January on an interim deal until the end of the season and has improved the club’s performances since taking over. In fact, the 44-year-old has won seven, drawn one and lost one in nine games since taking over as interim head coach, replacing Darren Fletcher.
Including the three games he managed as caretaker manager in 2021, Carrick has won more than 70 per cent of his time in the United dugout and is rapidly establishing himself as a front-runner.
Even Roy Keane, who initially opposed Carrick’s permanent move and predicted at the start of the season that United were “not ready” for a top-four finish, has changed his tune.
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3-1 (Image: PA)
The former United midfielder is now confident that his former club will continue to play in Europe’s elite competition next season. He told Sky Sports on Sunday:
“Villa looked a bit calm today (after playing in the Europa League on Thursday), but United were quite comfortable in the second half.
“If you give a player like Bruno (Fernandes) time and space, you will be punished. I think United are absolutely guaranteed to qualify for the Champions League.”
Carrick and United travel to Bournemouth for their next match on Friday. A win for the Reds would ensure they are at least nine points above sixth place heading into the March international break.
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