Michael Carrick
Michael Owen has disputed claims that Manchester United shouldn't appoint Michael Carrick.(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Michel Owen has been left flabbergasted by claims surrounding Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick.
The former United striker was left shocked by comments suggesting that the current temporary boss should not be handed the job on a permanent basis even if the 44-year-old wins all his matches in charge. It has been a dream start for Carrick after winning each of his first three matches in charge of his second spell in the Old Trafford hot seat.
Carrick has overseen the turnaround in fortunes which has catapulted United into the driving seat for Champions League qualification as they sit fourth. Since replacing Ruben Amorim, United have beaten Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham to create a small cushion between themselves, Chelsea and Liverpool.
However since taking charge, Carrick's prospects of becoming the permanent manager have been talked down. It has been suggested that United go for a tried-and-tested head coach in the form of Thomas Tuchel, Luis Enrique or Carlo Ancelotti.
Owen has rubbished the notion that the current caretaker hasn't got the capabilities to take over on a permanent basis. He said: "I really do. I mean, I've heard to some people say 'it'd be a mistake to, even if he wins every game between now and the end of the season, it'd be a mistake to give him it,' I mean what?
"I mean, have they not seen what's happened for the last, whatever it is, 10, 11, 12 years? Hasn't nobody seen that? Then they compare it to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who had a good start but then sort of faded slightly.
"This is a totally different person. If Manchester United are absolutely flying and winning all their games, why on earth, why on earth would you? You've got somebody that's there, willing, ready, able, he's done all the things that everybody has been asking, the team are playing with a smile on their face, they're playing brilliantly well, he is an absolute gentleman of a guy, great guy.
"Listen, I'm not saying go and give it in tomorrow, because obviously it's only three games, but if Manchester United qualify for the Champions League, and to do that they'll have to play really well between now and the end of the season.
"I just don't get why you just wouldn't say, 'with the rubbish, we've been off for the last decade, let's continue with a little bit of this please. Champions League football, and we're progressing and the team's looking better and better.'"
Michael Carrick raises his clenched right fist
Michael Carrick has been dismissed as a permanent Man United managerial candidate.(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure 13 years ago, no manager has managed to guide United back to the summit of English football. Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho have occupied the hot seat, bringing success, while their last two permanent managers Erik ten Hag and Amorim have faced immense scrutiny.
The former United, Liverpool and Newcastle striker questioned why the club would undo the good work Carrick has done so far.
Owen said: 'Let's keep this going.' Why would you throw all that away and go and find the next young Portuguese great guy that you've done two minutes ago and what are you wanting here?
"So no, I think if he continues to do well, I would absolutely be giving him a job from the end of the season. Obviously that's a big if, we'll see what happens in the meantime."
Michael Owen was exclusively to the MEN to discuss running out of mobile data costing small businesses money and Sky Business's new Roll & Share feature which helps combat losses for small and medium-sized enterprises.