Manchester United legends Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra have publicly endorsed interim manager Michael Carrick for the permanent position at Old Trafford, while Evra launched a stinging critique of the club's ownership, accusing them of turning United into a version of Chelsea through constant managerial changes.
Carrick's Impressive Interim Stint
Since taking temporary charge following Ruben Amorim's dismissal in January, former United midfielder Michael Carrick has positioned the club strongly for Champions League qualification. The 44-year-old has guided United to third place with just five matches remaining, requiring a maximum of six more points to secure a top-four finish.
Giggs' Strong Endorsement
Ryan Giggs, who made a club-record 963 appearances for United, told Rio Ferdinand's podcast that Carrick deserves the permanent role. "The hardest thing to do as a manager is win games," Giggs stated. "He's winning games. It's hard at this time of the season to really stamp your own philosophy, your own principles of play."
Giggs emphasised Carrick's football intelligence and his strategic coaching appointments, including bringing in experienced figures like Johnny Evans and Steve Holland. "I think there's a lot to be said about him being a brilliant footballer, great bloke, but actually he's a football guy as well," Giggs added.
Evra's Cautious Support
Patrice Evra, while supportive of Carrick, believes discussions about his permanent appointment should wait until the season concludes. "I don't know why they think too much about the future," Evra said. "The present is for Carra to get the top four spots. That's the goal."
Evra pointed to Arsenal's patience with Mikel Arteta as an example, while noting United's previous experiments with high-profile managers like Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal. "Personally, I couldn't believe with the first game against City and the way we played," Evra recalled. "I was like, 'wow, all the players are passionate.' So why don't we have someone from the house? He knows the club."
The Chelsea Comparison
Evra delivered his most pointed criticism toward United's ownership, drawing unfavorable comparisons with Chelsea's notorious managerial instability. "We will have to start from zero," Evra warned. "I just feel we've become like Chelsea. This is not United. Normally we need consistency."
The former defender expressed surprise at Amorim's dismissal despite poor results, noting that Carrick has since performed "miracles" with the squad. Evra's comments highlight growing frustration among former players about the club's direction since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.
Managerial Uncertainty
United have yet to announce their permanent manager for next season, with numerous high-profile names linked to the vacancy. Luis Enrique, Carlo Ancelotti, and Thomas Tuchel have all been touted as potential candidates, but Carrick's strong interim performance has made him a serious contender.
Giggs addressed the modern reality of football management, noting: "I think every manager that goes into a role now is like an interim because you don't get time. I think 20 or 30 years ago, you're looking at the long-term, you're buying players in. You can't do that anymore."
The Welsh legend also credited former manager Ruben Amorim for leaving the club "in a pretty good place" despite criticism of his playing style, suggesting some of his signings have proven valuable under Carrick's leadership.
As United's season approaches its climax, the debate over Carrick's future intensifies, with club legends divided on timing but united in their appreciation of his work thus far. The coming weeks will determine whether Carrick can secure Champions League football and potentially the permanent manager's position he increasingly appears to merit.
