- Roy Keane has been vocal critic of Michael Carrick
- Manchester United legend had different view on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
- Former midfielder even diverted failures towards squad instead
The debate surrounding Manchester United’s managerial future has divided the fan base in recent times.
Michael Carrick has quietly gone about his business, just as he did in his playing career. As a result, it has taken United back into the Champions League for next season. There will be no resting on his laurels, as he has three more games to convince the INEOS hierarchy that he is the permanent man for the job.
The 44-year-old has racked up impressive wins against Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea along the way. He has accrued an average of 2.29 points per game, making the Red Devils one of the most in-form league sides in 2026.
However, there is one man who certainly remains impressed.
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Keane’s Bitterness Runs Personally and Professionally
United legend Roy Keane has been a forever sceptic of the man that replaced him in midfield at Old Trafford two decades ago. When the 44-year-old was appointed as interim boss, it was Keane who was the first big voice to oppose Carrick’s appointment.
Speaking in January, he said: “So Michael Carrick is going to be the manager of Man United? He hasn’t got enough experience. I don’t think he’ll have enough football knowledge. I’m not saying Michael Carrick can’t be a top manager, but the timing for him to be manager of Man United in the summer? I don’t see it.”
Keane’s hostility is actually personal. It stretches back to a public spat with Carrick’s wife, Lisa. Following a 2-0 loss to Olympiakos in 2014, Keane’s analysis prompted Lisa to defend her husband on social media with an insult directed at the Irishman. The post was swiftly deleted, but the former midfielder is not one to forget insults in a hurry.
In fact, it took him 12 years to respond when he recently made a snide comment on The Overlap. He said: “Well, his wife can always come in because she’s got a bit of a big mouth sometimes.”
Keane’s opinions have continued to be consistently anti-Carrick, even though the Reds have only lost two games since January. Accusations of the job being “too easy” have been followed up with persistent suggestions that the club should look to hire an elite calibre of manager beyond Carrick’s level.
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Hypocrisy is a Contrast to Keane’s Opinions on Solskjaer
The hypocrisy of Keane’s stance can only be understood when revisiting his defence of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when he was at the helm. The pundit once said:
“They have given him the job. Support him in a couple of transfer windows. Are there more tough days ahead? You bet your life, but you need to stick with it.”
It is precisely this benefit of the doubt that Keane has refused to afford Carrick. Unlike Solskjaer, Carrick has not yet been granted a single transfer window to shape the squad in his image. While he is expected to remain as head coach next season, the former midfielder’s permanent status remains unconfirmed. The upcoming summer could be his first real opportunity to stamp his authority on the Reds. Despite this uncertainty, he has already revitalised key figures such as Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire, while integrating talents like Ayden Heaven and Benjamin Sesko.
In 2021, Keane revealed that his loyalty to the Norwegian as a friend was rooted in his final days at Manchester United. When Keane fell out with Sir Alex Ferguson, Solskjaer was one of the few who stood in solidarity with him. Whether purposely or subconsciously, it makes it easier to understand why Keane defended Ole’s time in charge so much at Old Trafford.
Keane has been admittedly forced into a corner to praise Carrick. However, the Geordie man’s preference for the United boss not to get the permanent gig is well documented. Perhaps his endorsement is only reserved for his old friends, rather than foes.
