Manchester United have a big Michael Carrick decision to make at the end of the season, though Michael Owen believes it is a very easy one
Michael Owen has issued a clear Michael Carrick Manchester United verdict
Michael Owen has issued a clear Michael Carrick Manchester United verdict(Image: (Photo by Anna Gowthorpe/Shutterstock))
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Michael Owen has revealed he is shocked that Michael Carrick might not be given the Manchester United head coach role permanently.
The club placed him in temporary charge earlier this year, and he has lost just one of eight games at the helm which includes two marquee victories over Arsenal and Manchester United.
19 points from a possible 24 has seen United rise up the table and they currently sit third ahead of a big clash this Sunday against fourth-placed Aston Villa. Winning that would put United in a great position to qualify for next season's Champions League.
Despite that, there is no guarantee that Carrick takes up the position on a permanent basis. Owen has been left stunned by that possibility with the former United striker making his feelings on Carrick perfectly clear.
Speaking on the latest edition of BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show, he said: "I can't believe people are questioning whether he should get the job. Manchester United have waited about 12 years - they've gone for proven, legends, everything since Sir Alex [Ferguson].
"And the one time they are starting to play well, get results, the fans are on board - you're telling me at the end of the season if he gets third [place] they will say 'thanks, but no thanks'. How is that possible?"
United centre-back Ayden Heaven also recently shared his thoughts on the permanent vacancy at United with a telling nine-word verdict issued.
When asked on Capital XTRA Breakfast on Friday morning who he believes will be the manager for the new season, he replied: "I don't mind, honestly. I'm just waiting to see, you know. Just whatever's going to get us over the line."
Carrick has been reluctant to give clarity on his future beyond the end of the season and those questions have subsequently lessened.
United's performances of late may have also played a role in that with Carrick's side looking far from convincing in recent games against Everton, West Ham United, Crystal Palace and 10-man Newcastle.
Benjamin Sesko and Michael Carrick of Manchester United
Michael Carrick has a big Benjamin Sesko Manchester United decision to make(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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The latter ended his unbeaten start as interim head coach despite playing a whole half with a man disadvantage. In the previous game, it was the Eagles being reduced to 10 men that allowed United to take control.
They also required two late Benjamin Sesko goals to claim four points over West Ham and Everton. Both of those strikes came off the bench with Sesko then rewarded by starting games against Palace and Newcastle.
Carrick now arguably has a decision to make for this Sunday's Premier League clash against Villa. Unai Emery's side prefer to build up from the back and through the lines and thus Bryan Mbeumo may be better suited to the striker role with Amad then coming into the team for Sesko.