Manchester United and England icon Wayne Rooney is now convinced that there is one “outstanding candidate” to permanently succeed Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Ineos and Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe are now pursuing a long-term successor to Ruben Amorim, who was sacked as Manchester United manager.
Michael Carrick is the new favourite for the Man Utd interim job, are you happy with this?
Manchester United Coach Michael Carrick celebrates at the end of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on December 2, 2021
Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Amorim’s reign as the seventh permanent United manager in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era ended last Monday after his explosive post-match press conference.
The 40-year-old former United head coach was deeply critical of the behind-the-scenes management at Old Trafford after the Red Devils’ draw against Leeds United.
Amorim’s time at Man Utd lasted only 14 months, with the ex-Sporting CP head coach arriving at the Premier League club in 2024 to replace Erik ten Hag.
READ MORE: Man Utd ‘on the verge’ of missing out on Conor Gallagher to rival Premier League club, says Fabrizio Romano
Ruben Amorim during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Wolves at Old Trafford in 2025 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Wayne Rooney on what Michael Carrick will offer at Old Trafford amid Man Utd’s hunt for a new permanent manager
Darren Fletcher became interim Manchester United manager last week after Ruben Amorim was sacked and has overseen the Red Devils’ last two matches.
More United News
The Manchester United Under-18s coach led the Red Devils to a 2-2 draw against Burnley before his side were knocked out of the FA Cup at the hands of Brighton.
Michael Carrick is now tipped for a Man Utd return and is expected to become caretaker manager until the end of the season after Darren Fletcher’s recent run.
With Ruben Amorim SACKED, where will Manchester United finish in 2025/26?
Let's see your predictions!
Patrick Dorgu celebrates with his teammates during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Speaking on his podcast, Wayne Rooney raved about what former United and England teammate Michael Carrick can bring to the table in the short term.
“Michael is a very clever person and has done a very good job at Middlesbrough,” he said on BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show.
“I think it would be a really good fit. You are not seeing any top managers available at this moment in time, who through history, have been successful and won trophies.
“Do you go back to Ole or Michael? It looks like one of those two. Michael Carrick knows the club; he would be a great fit.
“He lives and breathes that club – that’s what the club needs.”
READ MORE: Kobbie Mainoo’s return to Man Utd XI vs Brighton caught Gary Lineker’s eye for two standout reasons
Wayne Rooney wants Thomas Tuchel as the next Man Utd manager if the Red Devils don’t stick with Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick’s soon-to-be Man Utd reign is only for the remainder of the season and Ineos are expected to explore other managerial options in the meantime.
United legend Rooney has not ruled out the possibility that the 44-year-old former Middlesbrough manager could still turn Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s head in his direction.
However, the 40-year-old ex-Man Utd captain would want England manager Thomas Tuchel in the Old Trafford hot seat if the Red Devils sought another “candidate.”
Ineos have helped Manchester United create the wrong type of history this season!
Do you blame ownership, managers, or the players?
Eliminated graphic
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
“Michael loves the football club and would step in to do a job if he [could],” Rooney said.
“It’s an opportunity to go and show what he can do over the next few months and make the owners look at him and say we don’t need to go elsewhere.
“Whoever goes in now has an opportunity to go and show what they are worth. If not, Thomas Tuchel is the outstanding candidate.”
Thomas Tuchel will be out of contract with the Three Lions national team at the end of the 2026 World Cup tournament in North America.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox