- Michael Owen spoke exclusively to Read ManUtd
- Fan of Michael Carrick’s influence on Red Devils
- The England icon questioned the alternative options
Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen believes that Michael Carrick has done enough to earn a permanent appointment at Old Trafford.
The pair shared the pitch with each other 33 times across spells with England and United. Owen joined the Red Devils late in his career, winning the League Cup and Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The former England frontman enjoyed spells at Real Madrid and Newcastle United before his time at Old Trafford. However, his most successful period was his rise through the ranks at Liverpool, where he became a club legend and won the Ballon d’Or in 2001.
Owen on Carrick’s interim spell at United
Carrick is in pole position to land the United job amid other contenders exiting the race, including most recently Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique. It seems that only Julian Nagelsmann remains a possible candidate to take charge of the Reds full-time.
Speaking with Read ManUtd, Michael Owen, the official UK ambassador for Casino.org, a trusted comparison website highlighting the best online casinos for UK players, insisted Carrick has proven himself worthy of the job:
“Yes, he has. I am sure of this. You look at his results and if the season started since his first game then Man Utd would be top of the League. So it’s pretty clear Michael has what it takes to have the job full time.”
Carrick has brought several familiar faces with him to Old Trafford since returning in January and replacing Ruben Amorim. Former England assistant Steve Holland, his longtime right-hand man Jonathan Woodgate, and former United defender Jonny Evans have formed his backroom staff.
The Englishman’s coaching team has overseen improved player performance and morale. It has helped United become one of the most in-form teams in the league. Hiccups aside, Carrick’s side are on track to qualify for the Champions League next season.
It is a domino effect that will have positive repercussions on United’s financial year ahead, attract big-name signings and give fans a reason to smile again.
Owen highlighted this:
“He has a strong coaching setup and all the players are performing better, running more, tackling more, playing more progressive football, the crowd are on side and Man Utd are getting good results. So I don’t understand where people say he shouldn’t be given the job.”
Carrick has already admitted he’d be keen to stay in charge beyond this season. If he does, he might be overseeing United’s return to the Champions League next season.
Owen: ‘Why change again?’
Manchester United have trialled and errored with a variety of managers. From the eccentric Jose Mourinho to the regimented Louis van Gaal to the vibrant Amorim, the Reds have experimented with different managerial styles.
To some degree, these managers have brought success to Old Trafford, including trophies. Others broke records for all the wrong reasons.
Yet none reached the heights of the team under Ferguson. The legendary Scotsman’s shadow has lingered over every manager in some way. Carrick himself received Sir Alex’s blessing to take on the role in January.
Owen reflected:
“Looking at other managers, I have to say this. Man Utd have had the likes of [Jose] Mourinho, [Louis] Van Gaal, former player in [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer, the new kid on the block from Europe in [Ruben] Amorim and [David] Moyes as well. So why change again when you have someone who is performing well, like Carrick is?”
With the shortlist narrowing down with each passing week, Carrick has the chance to cement his chances of landing the job with just seven games to go. His Reds are next in action on April 13th when they host rivals Leeds United.
