Interim Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick's impressive early results have not been enough to convince Roy Keane that he should be given the role permanently yet
Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane
Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane made his feelings clear on Michael Carrick(Image: Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick's impressive wins against Arsenal and Manchester City have not been enough to convince former club captain and pundit Roy Keane that he should ever be given the job on a permanent basis - and some fans in the Manchester Evening News comments section have dismissed Keane's opinion that Manchester United need a "big manager".
The change in United's outlook this season has been positive since Carrick took the reins, with his temporary time in charge due to end in the summer. Two wins against City and league leaders Arsenal have had some people calling for Carrick to be in the hat when it's time for the board to pick a new permanent head coach.
Roy Keane has called the clamour to appoint Carrick permanently "silly", telling Micah Richards on Sky Sports: "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."
Some fans are much more open to the possibility. Reader Woz Rokka says: "Mr Keane is sniping at Michael Carrick, why? Because he wasn't very good in his stints in management, was he? The coaching team are obviously doing things that are working with this team, that clearly wasn't happening under Ruben Amorim, beyond the odd win against Liverpool.
"If he continues to provide this team with the self esteem that is showing in these performances, then I would have him and his team in a heartbeat. His dignity and calmness is refreshing, and the results thus far are a breath of fresh air. If he goes on to get a tune out of Sesko, as with Cunha, then he is the right man for the job! We will see in the coming months, but a very good start, I'd say!"
Commenter Jungle Jerry writes: "Carrick and his team have done well in beating the top 2 in the EPL. The next few games will be very different, against teams in the middle of the table. If they can still play well and beat these teams convincingly, United will have a chance in playing consistently and finishing the season in the top 4.
Roy Keane
Roy Keane's comments on Sky Sports showed he is not convinced as yet with the Manchester United head coach despite wins over Arsenal and City
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"Still early days but it certainly is exciting! I don't normally disagree with Keane but if Carrick and co. can bring this team into a top 4 finish, I wouldn't mind having them as the permanent coaches!"
Anhewitt66 says: "I struggle to understand how Keane can consistently say it’s all about results and winning matches, but then contradict himself by saying if Carrick wins every game he still wouldn’t give him the job permanently?
"This talk of so-called bigger managers is also erroneous. Mourinho and Van Gaal were big time experienced managers but it didn’t work out. Just because it didn’t work with Ole doesn’t mean Carrick shouldn’t be given the job permanently if he is getting results.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick has defeated Manchester City and Arsenal in his first two games in charge(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
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"United have been crying out for someone who is steeped in the culture and DNA of the club, as a player who understands what MUFC is all about, and combines this with being a good coach of players because they have played at the highest level for the club. It is a shame that Keane, Neville and mates don’t want to put themselves up for consideration? Is it bottle or do they know it’s easier to sit on the sidelines, and pick up money for carping and criticising others who show some guts and have a go!"
Rick23 writes: "Well deserved but unexpected win, reminds me of the start under Solskjaer. If Carrick can claim a CL spot then he has to be a serious contender for the manager job, despite what Neville and Keane are saying. Carrick and his team of coaches have brought a togetherness and purpose amongst the players that Amorim could not achieve. Equally the players respond to him which is often overlooked as a contributory factor to success on the pitch."
FIM is more cautious: "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. It's 2 massive games, but it is only 2 games and Carrick needs to prove he can play in different ways when we're struggling to grind out a result."
Jargonman adds: "We have previous: Ole played counter attack after he took over and reaped the rewards. Di Matteo led Chelsea to a Champions League. In both cases, neither manager could build a team capable of challenging and competing over the long term. Too many fans are getting away with short term results. Tuchel is the obvious candidate if he is available after the World Cup."
Using the comments section below, tell us what threshold Michael Carrick would have to meet for you to give him the Manchester United job on a permanent basis.