Manchester United are expected to appoint Michael Carrick as interim manager until the end of the season, with Wayne Rooney offering his services to the former midfielder's coaching staff
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney(Image: Getty Images)
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Wayne Rooney has declared his readiness to link up with Michael Carrick's coaching staff at Manchester United. The Old Trafford club is poised to appoint Carrick as caretaker manager through to the end of the campaign.
The 44 year old held discussions with United bosses last week following Ruben Amorim's exit, and has now become the leading contender over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the interim position.
With Carrick's confirmation anticipated today - and Sky Sports reporting a 'verbal agreement' his former team-mate and ex-Derby County manager Rooney has offered to lend his support.
Asked about the prospect of linking up with Carrick's coaching set-up, he said on the BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show: "Of course I would. It's a no-brainer. I'm not begging a job here by the way. Just so everyone knows, if I was asked to go in of course I would. Appointing the manager is the most important thing."
Rooney has had a poor manegerial career, initially doing well to keep the Rams afloat after succeeding Phillip Cocu, in tandem with Liam Rosenior, before failing to keep them in the Championship against overwhelming odds.
His time at Birmingham City was dire and he lasted just a few months at Plymouth Argyle - both clubs were relegated in the seasons in which he was involved.
Meanwhile at United, both Solskjaer and Carrick were viewed as the leading contenders to steer United through the remaining months of the season, in line with the club's approach to install a temporary boss before bringing in a permanent replacement for Amorim next summer.
Former United manager Solskjaer had earlier been strongly favoured for the role and took part in two interview stages. Nevertheless, his possible return was vetoed after a number of players contacted club officials voicing their concerns about Solskjaer's potential appointment, reports the Express.
Rooney has championed Carrick as an "great fit" for the role, stating: "Whether Michael goes in or if that's Fletch [ Darren Fletcher ] or John O'Shea or myself, it needs people who know the football club.
"Roy Keane - I know Roy has had his opinions, I said about Roy going in earlier in the season. Having people who know the club, who care for the club and understand what it takes to be a Manchester United player - that's where the club needs to be.
"The club has lost its identity, it's lost that family feel, if you like. Whether it's Ole [Ole Gunnar Solskjaer] or Michael, this is an opportunity to bring that back, bring the spirit of Manchester United back to the football club."
Fletcher had taken charge temporarily for United's 2-2 draw at Burnley on Wednesday and the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton on Sunday.
However, he's now expected to step aside for Carrick, whose first match in the dugout will be this weekend's Manchester derby against City.
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