Ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen believes Michael Carrick is the "obvious option" to replace Ruben Amorim at the club if results continue to go awry
Interim Manager Michael Carrick of Manchester United speaks during a press conference at Carrington Training Ground on December 01, 2021 in Manchester, England.
Rene Meulensteen believes Michael Carrick is the "obvious option" to replace Ruben Amorim
(Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Rene Meulensteen has selected Michael Carrick as the "obvious" replacement for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United as he "knows the club."
The Portuguese boss has come under fire recently for results at Old Trafford, including a 3-0 derby thrashing by Manchester City most recently. That disappointment, coupled with a heartbreaking Europa League final defeat at the hands of Tottenham and a Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town, is only seeing the pressure build for Amorim at United.
While the hierarchy at Old Trafford insist they have faith in his abilities, reports from Mail Online suggest that first-team players are losing confidence in his on-field methods. It is understood that United would have to play £12million to Amorim if they do decide to sack him - but fans would argue this is a small price to pay if they want success at the club.
Former United coach Meulensteen has given his thoughts on what the club should do if they relieve Amorim of his duties, naming his pick of the bunch in terms of a replacement. Ex-Red Devils midfielder and current young coach Carrick is being touted for the top job, as Meulensteen believes the former Middlesbrough boss would succeed at his old stomping ground.
Speaking to football betting site BetVictor, Meulensteen said: "Michael Carrick might be the obvious option if Ruben Amorim is to go. Obviously Michael Carrick still knows quite a few players that were there when he was there.
"So he's still got some good inside information. He obviously knows the club. He knows what's expected from the club."
Manchester United Coach Michael Carrick looks on with Coach Mike Phelan prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on December 2, 2021 in Manchester, England.
Michael Carrick has already taken charge at Old Trafford before
The 61-year-old also mentioned former United manager Jose Mourinho, who appears bound for Benfica, but stuck firm with his choice of Carrick - adding that "common sense" is needed to manage the struggling giant. He said: "Well, you always get that and there's always names being thrown around. Jose Mourinho's out of the job as well. So that will be thrown around and there's all other managers as well.
"But the key is that you need to have a guy that obviously has got a clear idea but puts some kind of a structure in place that the players buy into and that you get a spark from the players. Because they're not bad players, there's plenty of good players there.
"I'm sure that if they would play in a system that suits them, they really play at the best. I think you could see a fantastic Manchester United. Maybe Michael could well be the guy.
Manchester United Manager Ruben Amorim after the 3-0 loss during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Ruben Amorim is struggling to piece together results at United(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
"It's not magic. It's common sense more than anything, that's it and Carrick has got plenty of that."
Carrick has already been named caretaker manager on two occasions - after Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's exits - and has never lost a game in this position. Out of the three games he managed, the ex-midfielder won two and drew one.
He moved on from United to become boss at Boro, spending three years in charge of the Championship side. Out of 136 games managed, Carrick won 63, drew 24 and lost 49.
Amorim, in contrast, has lost more games than he has won, with 17 victories, 12 draws and 18 losses on his card at the club, albeit in far tougher circumstances.