Michael Carrick being named the next permanent manager of Manchester United is now a matter of 'when rather than if', according to club legend Wayne Rooney. The former England striker believes his ex-teammate and close friend is in pole position to take over the reins at Old Trafford on a full-time basis.
Carrick's Interim Success
Carrick, 44, was appointed as interim manager in January with the primary objective of securing Champions League qualification. The former Manchester United midfielder has delivered in emphatic style, winning 10 of his 14 games in charge. Sunday's thrilling 3-2 victory against arch-rivals Liverpool confirmed United's return to Europe's elite competition, a stage they have not graced since the 2023-24 group stage.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the United icon said: 'Yeah, it's when rather than if I think. Just because he's a young English lad and sometimes that's not always the right way to look in many people's eyes. But Michael Carrick is a clever person, he's a really good coach. I think he can lead this team for the next, you know, however long he wants it if he gets it right.'
Formal Talks Yet to Begin
It is understood that formal discussions between Carrick and the Manchester United hierarchy have not yet taken place. Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is reportedly his closest rival for the role, though it would be a controversial decision to overlook Carrick given his impressive results. The former Middlesbrough boss has remained coy about his future throughout his interim reign.
'It's not about what I like or what I do not like. It's not in my control,' Carrick explained. 'Everything has gone so well, we know the situation and where we are. I am happy with where we are at the moment and we still want to get better. Let's see what happens next. At this moment in time, it's not something I am thinking about.'
Final Games of the Season
Manchester United have three more matches to secure third place in the Premier League. On Saturday, they travel to Sunderland before facing Nottingham Forest and Brighton to conclude the campaign. Carrick remains focused on the task at hand: 'It is encouraging,' he added. 'In our little league for the 14 games, we must be top. That in itself, the boys have done really well. Of course we want to keep improving. We can't underestimate what the boys have done in that period of time, which has pleased me the most.'
