Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has made a public offer to join the club's coaching staff, throwing his support behind former teammate Michael Carrick, who is poised to become the Reds' interim manager.
Rooney's Public Backing for Carrick
Speaking on the latest episode of his BBC podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England captain confirmed he would accept a role if asked. "Of course I would. It's a no-brainer," Rooney stated, while clarifying he was not actively begging for the job. His comments come at a pivotal moment, with Carrick's appointment as interim boss until the summer expected to be confirmed imminently.
The 44-year-old Carrick held initial talks with the United board last week and has emerged as the preferred candidate over another former manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Rooney, who recently holidayed with Carrick in Barbados, believes his former colleague is a "great fit" for the role and emphasised the need for people who truly understand the club.
Player Power Swings Decision Away from Solskjaer
The managerial shift follows significant intervention from within the United dressing room. While Solskjaer was interviewed twice and was initially the clear favourite for the interim position, his candidacy was derailed when a group of senior players approached the club's hierarchy.
It is understood these players expressed a lack of confidence in Solskjaer returning and instead advocated for Michael Carrick, who has been without a managerial role since departing Middlesbrough in June last year. This player power ultimately swayed the club's decision in Carrick's favour.
A Call to Restore United's "Lost Identity"
Rooney used his platform to deliver a broader critique of the club's current state, arguing it has lost its core identity and family atmosphere. He sees Carrick's potential appointment as a crucial opportunity to reverse this trend.
"Whether it's Ole or Michael, this is an opportunity to bring that back, bring the spirit of Manchester United back to the football club," Rooney said. He also named other club legends like Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea as individuals who possess the deep understanding of United required to steer it forward.
The club's plan remains to appoint an interim manager now before securing a permanent successor to Ruben Amorim in the summer. With Carrick at the helm and the potential addition of Rooney to his staff, United are looking to stabilise a turbulent period with familiar faces who embody the club's heritage.
