Rooney urges United to consider Carrick for permanent role

Wayne Rooney believes Michael Carrick should be a serious candidate for the Manchester United job on a permanent basis
Carrick has overseen a strong run of results since replacing Ruben Amorim in January
Rooney says Carrick’s calm authority and understanding of the club are key strengths

Wayne Rooney has urged Manchester United to seriously consider Michael Carrick as their permanent manager, insisting his former teammate has the qualities required to stabilise the club after years of turbulence.

Carrick was appointed interim head coach following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim in early January and has made an immediate impact. A strong run of results has lifted United back into the Premier League top four, prompting growing discussion about his long term suitability for the role.

Speaking on The Overlap, Rooney said Carrick offered the balance and stability United have lacked since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

“We have been there and tried different managers such as Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal, Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim. For me, Carrick makes sense,” Rooney said.

“Not because we played together or because we are friends, but because he is a real calming influence. Having someone who knows the club and genuinely cares makes a big difference. Michael is managing the whole squad and he is doing it very well.”

Carrick enjoyed a dream start to life in the dugout, guiding United to a 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford before securing a dramatic 3-2 win against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Four wins and a draw from his first five matches have rapidly transformed confidence within the squad.

Rooney believes Carrick’s influence extends beyond results, highlighting the improvement in several players who had previously struggled for form.

“The players who start regularly do not need much managing, but the others do,” Rooney said. “We have seen the impact on Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez. He is improving the whole squad and that lifts the entire football club.”

The former England captain also questioned United’s long standing habit of seeking solutions abroad, suggesting the right answer may already be in place.

“Sometimes we overlook what is in front of us and look elsewhere, thinking someone from another league will fix everything,” he said. “At least with Carrick, you are building proper foundations. In two or three years, the infrastructure can be back where it should be.”

With United’s performances improving and belief returning, Carrick’s future is increasingly becoming a central topic. For Rooney, the case is clear. Stability, identity and understanding of the club’s culture may finally offer the reset Manchester United have spent more than a decade searching for.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.