Wayne Rooney has weighed in on the debate that Michael Carrick is deserving of the permanent Manchester United position
Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United on the side line during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United at London Stadium on February 10, 2026 in London, England.
Michael Carrick has earned one former Manchester United star's approval(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Wayne Rooney believes it "makes sense" that Michael Carrick should be considered for the permanent Manchester United position. The ex-Red Devil has faith in his former teammate and insists he's earned the right to be in the running for manager.
Since Carrick took over as United's interim boss, the club has gone from strength to strength. Impressive wins over Manchester City and Arsenal were followed by four points from six against Fulham and West Ham.
This unbeaten run has helped the team climb into fourth in the Premier League table and put them in contention for Europe next season. Rooney appeared on The Overlap's Fan Debate and claimed that United's next boss is right under their noses.
He said: "We’ve been there and tried different managers – (Jose) Mourinho, (Louis) van Gaal, (Erik) ten Hag and (Ruben) Amorim – and for me Carrick makes sense. Not because we’ve played together and we’re friends, but because he is a real calming influence.
"Having someone there who knows the club and cares for the club makes a big difference. Michael is managing the whole squad and managing them well."
Rooney also highlighted Carrick's impact throughout the entire squad. He said: "The players who are starting, they’re fine, you don’t have to manage them, but the other lads – we’ve seen the impact on (Matheus) Cunha, (Benjamin) Sesko, (Harry) Maguire, (Lisandro) Martinez. He’s having an impact on the whole squad and football club.
"Sometimes we’re quick to overlook what’s right there in front of you and say we’ve got this manager from Turkey or from Spain, who is going to come in and do this, when they have no interest in the football club.
"At least (with Carrick) this will give the foundations for the club to keep building, when in two or three years’ time the infrastructure will be back at the club."
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick applauds alongside Harry Maguire after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on February 07, 2026 in Manchester, England.
The interim coach is clearly well thought-of by many associated with United(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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These comments speak volumes about Rooney's clear admiration of Carrick as head coach. This isn't new either, as the 40-year-old told fans at the time of his appointment that the interim manager would be a surprise in the best way.
Speaking on the BBC's Wayne Rooney Show podcast, the ex-United man said: "Michael's great fun. He is a great character, but don't be fooled by how calm he looks.
"He can have fun as well, but make no mistake, he'd be going in there now with full focus."
Carrick has clearly been well received in the dressing room, winning the Premier League Manager of the Month award and earning plenty of praise from his first-team squad. Veteran defender Harry Maguire said: "I had no surprises when he came in and the way that he spoke in his first meeting and the way the sessions have gone.
"And I do think he's got a great, great staff with him. He [Carrick] takes most sessions. He still does demos in passing drills and he still bangs it through the lines like he's still got it."
Speaking to TNT Sports, club captain Bruno Fernandes added: "Michael came in with the right ideas of giving the players the responsibility, but also some freedom to take the responsibility on the pitch during the decisions that are needed."
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