Former Striker Issues Stark Warning to Manchester United Hierarchy
Manchester United's decision-makers have been cautioned they would be unable to show their faces in public if they overlook Michael Carrick for the permanent managerial role at Old Trafford. The stark warning comes from ex-United forward Michael Owen, who believes it would be "ridiculous" for the club to consider any other candidate.
Carrick's Impressive Interim Record
Michael Carrick assumed control of Manchester United on a caretaker basis following Ruben Amorim's dismissal in January. The 44-year-old has overseen 12 Premier League matches, securing eight victories, two draws and suffering just two defeats. His tenure has propelled United to third position in the league table following their recent victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Carrick's average of 2.16 points per match equates to an impressive 82 points across a full Premier League season. This statistical performance has unsurprisingly established him as the clear frontrunner for the permanent managerial position next term.
Owen's Unwavering Support for Carrick
Former England international Michael Owen, who now works with Casino.org, has expressed his complete bafflement at any suggestion United might look elsewhere. "I would give [Carrick] the job, 100%," Owen told Mirror Football. "Manchester United have faltered for years, like for a dozen years now. It's been really painful for Manchester United fans, I'm sure."
Owen emphasized the dramatic turnaround under Carrick's leadership: "All of a sudden, Michael Carrick has come in and has done really, really well, and won a load of games. In fact, if you started the league when Michael Carrick took over, Manchester United are top of the league."
The Risk of Reverting to Past Failures
The former striker presented a compelling argument against considering alternative candidates like PSG boss Luis Enrique or Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane. "Why on earth wouldn't you [offer him the job]?" Owen questioned. "What's going through anybody's head if you wanted to change it?"
Owen reminded United's hierarchy of their extensive managerial experimentation: "Bear in mind some of the great managers they've gone through everything, ex-players, legendary managers, serial winners. They've gone through the whole lot, the whole shebang and nothing really has worked. And now all of a sudden they've found something that's working, they're getting better. Why on earth would they switch now?"
A Warning About Public Backlash
The former United forward issued a particularly stark warning about potential consequences for decision-makers: "Imagine if they said, 'Right, thanks for your work, Michael. Now we're going to go with somebody else.' And it was back to the c*** that Manchester United fans have seen for the last 10, 12 years. You wouldn't be able to come out of your house. Whoever made that decision won't be able to."
Owen described such a scenario as "the most ridiculous decision ever," adding: "I just cannot, for the life of me, understand why. What's the worst that can happen? Michael Carrick can start next season, lose 10 games on the spin, and you can say, 'Right, okay. It was a honeymoon period. It's not working.'"
The Potential for Championship Success
Contrasting the potential downside with the remarkable upside, Owen highlighted: "But the best that can happen is they continue the way things are going. And, as I say, they're top of the league, if they continue this for another 20-odd games, they win the league."
Owen emphasized the dramatic transformation under Carrick: "It's like, Man United, about six months ago, were a million miles away from it. A million miles. Now, I'm not saying Man United are going to win the league, but I tell you what, if they just continue what they're doing now [they could find themselves in contention]."
Rescuing United from Potential Crisis
This represents Carrick's second spell as United's caretaker manager, having briefly taken the reins in November 2021 following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal. Owen believes the former United midfielder has rescued the club from a prolonged slump, even steering them away from the sort of relegation strife that Tottenham Hotspur has suffered this season.
"They could have been another Tottenham," Owen added. "So, why on earth would it even be a question that Michael Carrick's not going to get the job? It baffles me why there is a debate. I can't understand why ex-players are also against it. I think it's a no-brainer."
The former striker's comments represent a powerful endorsement of Carrick's credentials and a clear warning to Manchester United's hierarchy about the potential consequences of overlooking their interim manager's impressive achievements.
