- Roy Keane says it has been too easy for Michael Carrick
- The latest saga in the Keane vs Carrick rivalry
- Urges Manchester United to explore other options
After a 24-day wait, Manchester United finally return to Premier League action today. For the Old Trafford faithful, this marks the first time they have seen United in the flesh since 15 March, when they dismantled Aston Villa 3-1.
A little under a month on, they will expect more of the same as United look to get one over rivals Leeds United in a push to secure Champions League football.
The fixture also carries added weight. Just under 100 days ago, it marked Ruben Amorim’s final match in charge of the club.
Whilst he did not leave United in a disastrous position, the transformation—not just in results but in mood—has been striking under interim manager Michael Carrick over the past three months.
A win tonight would put United 10 points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea, with one hand firmly grasped on qualification back to Europe’s premier cup competition.
“I think its almost been easy for him”
Speaking on Sky Sports‘ Monday Night Football, United legend Roy Keane remained somewhat critical of Carrick. He claimed that the English coach should have been expected to win games:
“Yeah, it’s a nice problem to have but I fully expected when he got the job to win football matches. They couldn’t have been as bad as they were, go back to last season finished 15th. He had a dream start beating Arsenal and Man City, he’s got momentum.“
Keane added:
“He’s had disappointment from the Newcastle and the last game 2-2 at Bournemouth. I think if he can finish the season strongly which it looks like they can do and obviously Chelsea next week and if they can beat Liverpool emotionally getting fans on side for that.“
The legendary former United captain still thinks the club should explore other candidates:
“I still think there should be and I’m sure United are probably speaking to other prospects out there potentially other managers. But I think at the moment he probably is in the driving seat and I can certainly see him getting the job.”
He added:
“But then the real test will start in the summer regarding recruitment, competing in terms of games with more jeopardy. I think the games in the last month or two I think its almost been easy for him.
“I think he’s just focusing on winning football matches whereas the challenge that will come if he does get the job, go back to recruitment, managing the club to tougher games. He’ll be properly judged next year if he is the permanent manager of United.”
This comes just weeks after his last comments on the United interim manager. Speaking on the Overlap in February, Keane said he was “sticking to my guns” but pointed out that working as a caretaker manager and manager of United is a “different animal” as he’ll be expected to win league titles in the years to come.
Keane insisted, “You can get a better manager than Carrick”, and his comments have certainly caused a debate among fans. INEOS aren’t going to make a decision on a permanent appointment until the end of the season.
Carrick’s Latest Test
Aside from Keane’s comments, Carrick has a huge match on his hands that can further cement the Reds’ place in the top five.
Not only are the Red Devils facing a huge rival in Leeds, but a win here would take them 10 points ahead of Chelsea in the Champions League race.
With other big fixtures upcoming, such as an away trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 18, United need to ensure they take all the points they can get to finish the season in style.
