Manchester United interim coach Michael Carrick has had a perfect start at Old Trafford, but Roy Keane remains unconvinced he is the right man for the permanent role at Old Trafford
20:02, 25 Jan 2026Updated 20:07, 25 Jan 2026
Roy Keane speaks on Sky Sports
View 3 Images
Roy Keane gave his thoughts on Michael Carrick taking the Manchester United job full-time(Image: Sky Sports Premier League)
Roy Keane dismissed Micah Richards' suggestion that Michael Carrick could be the right choice for a permanent head coaching role at Manchester United, labelling it as "being silly".
The Red Devils secured an impressive 3-2 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening, in a game filled with excitement. Consequently, Carrick remains undefeated in his first two games at the helm of United, having taken over temporarily until the end of the season following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim earlier this month.
However, ex-club captain, Keane, is sceptical about the idea of the 44-year-old taking up a permanent position at Old Trafford. During Sky Sports' Super Sunday coverage after the match, Richards posed the question: "Would you give it Carrick then now?"
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Michael Carrick, Head Coach of Manchester United, celebrates as he shows appreciation to the fans following the team's victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Michael Carrick guided Manchester United to a 3-2 win over Arsenal(Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
A stern-faced Keane responded: "The job? No, you're being silly now. Yeah, two great performances...anyone can win two games, it's what he does at the end of the season.
"Even if they do get into fourth, I still wouldn't be convinced that he's the man for the job. Absolutely not. I still think they need a bigger and better manager.
"But he's got the opportunity - what a chance it is for him, and do you know what, he's taking it so fair play to him."
Carrick, on the other hand, was much more upbeat post-match, telling reporters: "I'm enjoying it. It's a fantastic position to be in. What happens next I'm not going to be answering it every week. I'm enjoying it and I'll continue to do what I can."
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Arsenal players look on as Matheus Cunha of Manchester United celebrates scoring their third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Cunha's strike from distance sparked wild celebrations(Image: Marc Atkins, Getty Images)
It was a sensational evening in north London for Manchester United, who surge to fourth in the Premier League table - edging closer to securing European qualification - following their thrilling 3-2 victory over the league leaders Arsenal.
Arsenal made a blistering start, heaping relentless pressure on their visitors from the first whistle. Lisandro Martinez inadvertently put through his own net after 29 minutes whilst attempting a clearance in his six-yard box, accidentally establishing the foundation for what would develop into a pulsating encounter brimming with excitement.
Nevertheless, the Gunners' lead proved short-lived. Approximately eight minutes later, Declan Rice's wayward pass back towards David Raya was seized upon by Bryan Mbeumo, who swiftly rounded the goalkeeper before slotting into an empty net.
Five minutes into the second half, Patrick Dorgu struck the target with a magnificent volley from the penalty area's edge, as United sought to preserve their 2-1 advantage for the match's duration. Mikel Merino succeeded in equalising with roughly six minutes of regulation time remaining, though his contribution was ultimately rendered meaningless just three minutes afterwards.
That's because Matheus Cunha clinched victory for United with a curling strike that flew past Raya, before racing away in celebration. Carrick and United now face a home fixture against Fulham in a week's time.
Article continues below
Arsenal, meanwhile, tackle Kairat in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, as they persist in their pursuit of European glory.