Michael Carrick has made an impressive start to life as Manchester United interim head coach and Roy Keane has now changed his tune on the former midfielder being handed the job.
Roy Keane
Roy Keane has been against Michael Carrick getting the Manchester United job permanently(Image: Stick to Football)
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Roy Keane has had a change of heart regarding Michael Carrick, now suggesting he would support the interim head coach being given the role permanently at Manchester United, following an encouraging start to his tenure.
The 44-year-old was brought in mid-season to guide the club through the remainder of the campaign, after Ruben Amorim's spell at United came to an abrupt conclusion.
With the Premier League standings still fluid, there's a feeling that European qualification remains achievable if Carrick can navigate the team successfully.
The initial indications are promising, with strong displays and results against Manchester City and Arsenal, hinting that there's plenty more potential to be unlocked.
Whilst the outcome of the remaining fixtures is yet to be determined, Keane appears to have altered his stance on the interim manager after merely two matches.
During an appearance on Stick To Football, he stated: "I hope they give it [the permanent job] to him. I hope they give it to him in the summer."
Gary Neville questioned this position, replying: "You said the other day, Roy..." seemingly preparing to reference Keane's previous opposition to the idea.
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Keane cut him off and responded: "I don't think it's the right decision, good luck with it.
"Yeah, but I'm sticking to my guns. I've said my piece, I think that he's got the job, and if he gets it in the summer then you go 'listen, good luck to him', but as a caretaker manager, it's a different animal to being manager of United trying to win league titles over the next two, three, four, five years, whatever it might be."
"I think you can get a better manager than Carrick, absolutely. But I think he's doing a good job, perfect timing for him, and even if he doesn't get the United job, these results a bit like Ruud [Van Nistelrooy], he can get another job, probably another Premiership manager.
"But just cause you're doing well at United, it doesn't mean he'll do well at another club.
"He's got the players back, it's all been sliding doors moments. Great for him, and he's took advantage of it."
While this isn't a complete reversal from Keane, who remains sceptical about the move overall, it does represent a shift in his stance towards Carrick taking on the role.
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
Michael Carrick has impressed with two wins in two at Manchester United(Image: (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images))
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The 54-year-old has been outspoken about the interim situation at United, causing a stir when he made a jibe at Carrick's wife in a previous podcast episode.
That appeared to highlight a past dispute between the two, but the interim boss has kept his attention firmly on matters at Old Trafford.
Whilst it may have taken some persuading, wins against both Man City and Arsenal have certainly strengthened Carrick's credentials for the permanent manager's position.
It's not merely the results, but the displays as well, which have demonstrated the proper balance of resolute spirit alongside attacking sharpness.
Though it might still be premature for many to assess the former midfielder on such limited evidence thus far, a clearer picture of his team's true capabilities may emerge when they face Fulham this weekend.
Carrick isn't letting it go to his head, though, and he's unlikely to be drawn into speculation about remaining as permanent manager any time soon, telling his side to stay "humble" as they look to push on.