Manchester United are edging closer to decision time regarding their next permanent manager, with Michael Carrick currently in charge until the end of this season
Wayne Rooney speaks
Wayne Rooney has thrown his support behind Michael Carrick(Image: The Overlap)
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Wayne Rooney believes that Michael Carrick will deserve the Manchester United job if they qualify for the Champions League. But Gary Neville insists that Old Trafford chiefs need to go for 'best in class manager available'.
Carrick, 44, has guided United to six wins, one draw and one defeat after eight games in the hot seat. The ex-Red Devils midfielder was put in charge until the end of this season, but a drastic upturn in results since the days of Ruben Amorim have seen him installed as favourite for the permanent gig.
United are third in the Premier League table, putting them on course to qualify for the Champions League, with five spots expected to be available. Rooney has predicted that Carrick's side will qualify and says that doing so 'should' earn him the role.
"I think if they get Champions League football, he should get the job," Rooney declared on the Stick to Football podcast. "He puts himself right up there if they're looking for new managers. But he definitely puts himself in pole position, I think."
Neville has been markedly more non-committal on Carrick's future, warning United not to go down the same route as what led them to appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after a successful interim period in 2019. Speaking last month, the former Red Devils right-back told Sky Sports: "Manchester United have to pursue another manager right now around the fact of you don't know how the results are going to go.
"But little things like Thomas Tuchel re-signing with England does start to take away the options for Manchester United and they don't harm Michael's chances of getting the job. If he gets United into the Champions League there will be a lot of fever around that he should be appointed.
"I'm not against him being appointed, I love him to bits. But I think Manchester United should go for the best class of manager available.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 4: Manchester United head coach / manager Michael Carrick during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park on March 4, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has changed Manchester United's fortunes for the better(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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"They've had young and inexperienced managers in the last two picks. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come in before as an ex-player and that didn't work in the end. So I feel removing as much risk as possible is the right option."
Carrick hopes to strengthen his case on Sunday when United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford. Villa are only below them on goal difference, setting up a mouth-watering clash.