Roy Keane has pumped the brakes on suggestions Michael Carrick is the long-term answer in the Manchester United dugout.
Since taking over the Red Devils on a caretaker basis until the end of the season, Carrick has masterminded wins over title hopefuls Manchester City and Arsenal.
Michael Carrick celebrates Manchester United's win over Arsenal
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Carrick has won four and drawn one of his five games in charge of United as their interim bossCredit: Getty
Carrick is now yet to taste defeat in his five total games as United's interim boss having been in charge for three fixtures following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking in November 2021.
Despite the stunning start, Keane remains wholly unconvinced Carrick should get the full-time gig.
Roy Keane shuts down talk of Michael Carrick taking over permanently
When discussion among the Sky Sports panel centred around Carrick being Ruben Amorim's permanent successor at United, Keane said: "You're being silly now.
"Two great performances but anyone can win two games.
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"Even if they do get into fourth, I still wouldn't be convinced he's the man for the job. Absolutely not.
"They need a bigger and better manager. But he has got the opportunity and what a chance for him, and you know what, he's taking it."
Even before Carrick took the reins on an interim basis, Keane felt he was not the right candidate for the temporary gig and questioned some of his backroom staff appointments, one of which was Steve Holland, Sir Gareth Southgate's right-hand man during his England stint.
Also among Carrick's staff is former United centre-back Jonny Evans, who played for the Red Devils as recently as last season.
Speaking prior to United's 2-0 win over City, Keane said: "(I'm) concerned, concerned with the appointment and the staff that have come in, the manager. But I think I would be like that with most people at this stage of the season.
"Looking at the group of players they have, it's going to be a big ask. You look at Michael Carrick, whatever his remit was at Middlesbrough it was probably to get promoted, he didn't do that. He failed there, but it doesn't mean to say he's a bad manager. It was a difficult job.
Roy Keane as a pundit
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Keane believes United need to aim higher than CarrickCredit: Getty
"To get this opportunity, obviously it's great for him but I look at the staff he's brought in.
"We sit and talk about Manchester United every week being the best of the best, and at this moment in time I don't see that. But even with the appointment and the staff, it doesn't mean they can't get results.
"It's a great opportunity for him and his staff but of course I'm concerned. I felt that about the previous manager."
Wayne Rooney hails Carrick for bringing 'calmness' back to Old Trafford
Despite Keane's reservations about Carrick receiving the full-time role, one name who has been highly impressed with the former United midfielder is Wayne Rooney.
Rooney knows Carrick better than most given he played alongside the midfielder a staggering 366 times for club and country.
Having witnessed Carrick's coolness and poise at the base of United's midfield up close and personal for years, Rooney believes his former teammate has brought a much-needed 'calmness about the place' since he took over from Amorim.
Michael Carrick hugs his coaching staff at Manchester United
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Carrick has worked wonders since returning to United, although there's plenty of twists and turns yet to comeCredit: Getty
"I was watching the Under-16s on Saturday morning and they were all there again. Michael Carrick was there, Steve Holland, Jason Wilcox, all the coaches were there and so on, which you've heard me talking about a lot, that connection with the academy," Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show.
"What I saw, not just from Michael, but the other coaches, Johnny Evans as well, is a real calmness and a belief.
"Michael told me how good the players were and he felt he had to stop the session early because they were that good and he wanted to bottle it up.
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"And that's proven today. An absolute incredible performance."
Carrick will look to make it three wins on the bounce when United face Fulham at Old Trafford next Sunday.