Michael Carrick’s chances of becoming the permanent Manchester United manager are not rated by several club legends, but Wayne Rooney is advocating for his former teammate.
Wayne Rooney is known to be close friends with Michael Carrick, as they have kids in the same age group at Manchester United, but professionally, he is also a big supporter.
Since Carrick’s appointment by United, Rooney has hailed the work he has done, labelling the performances as having United DNA.
Rooney even shot down Luis Enrique as a suggestion, instead urging that Carrick is the clear and obvious top contender. Now, United’s record goal scorer has spoken out against Gary Neville, explaining what needs to happen for Carrick to get the job.
Tell us your reasons why Michael Carrick should be permanent head coach!
Michael Carrick celebrates after the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in 2026 in Liverpool, England.
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Michael Carrick during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
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Carrick’s former teammates haven’t all been so endorsing of him being appointed on a permanent basis. Gary Neville doesn’t want him appointed under any circumstance, however, Rooney holds an opposing stance.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Rooney was asked his stance and laid out the target that will lead to Carrick being appointed.
“Will Michael get the job if they finish third?… Um, I think if they get Champions League football, he should get the job and he puts himself right up there if they’re looking for new managers, but he definitely puts himself in pole position. I think he get Champions League.”
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Right now, United look good value to finish in the top five, which would all but ensure Champions League football.
Rooney is absolutely spot on, because Carrick cannot be denied if he secures Champions League football.
Do you agree? Is Michael Carrick the best managerial option?
Is Champions League qualification enough? Or do you need to see more?
Wayne Rooney Michael Carrick
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When appointed, Carrick was set the unlikely Champions League target which at the time seemed far fetched and only a miraculous job would see it happen.
Well now, it doesn’t look unlikely at all, and United would probably end up being frustrated if we aren’t playing in Europe’s top competition next season.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s era came to an end, United have only qualified for the Champions League seven times from 13 attempts, and so it would be a massive achievement by Carrick that few others have managed.
For this reason, deciding to turn away from Carrick if he gets this achievement would be incredibly risky from Ineos, because if the replacement doesn’t succeed they would be open to criticism.
United must consider Carrick the top contender even if he scrapes Champions League football, because it’s more than we have had in half the seasons since Ferguson retired.
Next season can then see Carrick judged on performances. But even if he gets Champions League football and only manages the same next season, it’s a success compared to where the club was heading previously.
So in a way, Carrick’s fate is in his hands, and he can almost force United to appoint him.
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