Michael Carrick’s impressive start to his second reign as Manchester United caretaker manager has many calling for him to be appointed permanently. The English coach has overseen four wins and one draw since replacing Ruben Amorim in early January.
The Red Devils turned to Carrick during a difficult period when Amorim’s tumultuous reign ended. He and his backroom team have made an immediate impact, including wins over Manchester City (2-0) and Arsenal (3-2).
Carrick has put himself in contention to land the job long-term when INEOS make a decision this summer. One of his former teammates has continued to talk up a potential return to Old Trafford.
Wayne wants in
One of Carrick’s most high-profile advocates to be appointed the permanent manager of Manchester United has been Wayne Rooney. The club’s iconic former striker has constantly backed his former teammate to be given the job amid his fine spell thus far.
Rooney put his name forward to join Carrick’s backroom staff when United were in the process of appointing him. He was asked whether he would still be interested while speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show:
“Of course I would. It’s a no-brainer. I’m not begging for a job here by the way. Just so everyone knows, if I was asked to go in of course I would. Appointing the manager is the most important thing.”
Rooney himself is no stranger to management and has had spells in charge of Derby County, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle. He was praised for his handling of Derby’s dismal situation when they were hit with a 21-point deduction in the 2021-22 season.
The 40-year-old couldn’t prevent the Rams from suffering relegation that season and left his role. He took over MLS club DC United but failed to impress, as he had with Birmingham and Plymouth.
Rooney isn’t needed
It seems unlikely Carrick would turn to Rooney, given he already has a coaching team supporting him during his second spell. He is assisted by Travis Binnion, Jonny Evans, Jonathan Woodgate and Steve Holland.
United’s decision to appoint Holland as an assistant has been a stroke of genius, given his resume. He served as Gareth Southgate’s right-hand man as England manager, helping the Three Lions reach the final of two European Championships.
There’s no doubt Rooney would be a glamorous appointment, and having him work closely with the likes of Benjamin Sesko could be beneficial. But there has been no sign that the current coaching team needs a new addition.
Rooney’s stance on return to management
Rooney’s last managerial role came at Plymouth, and it was a disappointing tenure for Manchester United’s all-time top goalscorer. He oversaw 25 games, with his side winning just five and losing 14.
The Englishman was sacked by the Pilgrims in December 2024. He has entered the world of punditry and started his own BBC podcast.
Rooney was recently asked when and if he plans to return to the dugout. He said on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast:
“I would go back if the right opportunity came up. I’m not in a rush.”
Rooney’s former England manager, Sam Allardyce, asked him if he’d be willing to take on an assistant’s position:
“100 per cent yeah. I got asked this a few weeks ago about whether I’d go back to United in a different role… Of course I would. Probably the only two clubs I’d go back to [not as a manager] are Everton and United because they’re the two clubs which are close to my heart.”
Rooney has spoken in the past about his desire to one day manage United. That isn’t on the cards anytime soon, but there is a possibility he could return in another coaching role.
The club’s former captain clearly feels Carrick is the right man for the job. He won the Premier League’s Manager of the Month award for January after beating Premier League title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal.
