Michael Owen has delivered a clear Michael Carrick verdict regarding the permanent Manchester United head coach role
Michael Owen
Michael Owen has delivered his thoughts on Michael Carrick becoming Manchester United head coach permanently(Image: Getty Images)
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Michael Owen has expressed his surprise that Michael Carrick may not be offered the Manchester United head coach role on a permanent basis. He was appointed as interim manager earlier this year, and he's only suffered one defeat in eight matches in charge, including two significant victories over Arsenal and Manchester United.
With 19 points out of a possible 24, United have climbed up the table and currently sit third, ahead of a crucial match this Sunday against fourth-placed Aston Villa. A win would put United in a strong position to qualify for next season's Champions League.
Despite this, there's no certainty that Carrick will assume the role permanently. Owen is taken aback by this possibility, with the former United forward making his views on Carrick abundantly clear.
On the latest episode of BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show, he stated: "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 has also recently offered his perspective on the permanent managerial vacancy at United with a revealing nine-word assessment delivered.
When questioned on Capital XTRA Breakfast on Friday morning about who he thinks will be the manager for the new campaign, he responded: "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 unwilling to provide clarity regarding his future beyond the conclusion of the season and those enquiries have consequently diminished.
Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick
Manchester United have a big Michael Carrick decision to make(Image: Getty Images)
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United's displays lately may have also contributed to that with Carrick's squad appearing far from persuasive in recent fixtures against Everton, West Ham United, Crystal Palace and 10-man Newcastle.
The latter concluded his undefeated beginning as interim head coach despite competing an entire half with a numerical disadvantage. In the preceding match, it was the Eagles being reduced to 10 men that enabled United to seize control.
They also needed two late Benjamin Sesko strikes to secure four points across West Ham and Everton. Both of those efforts arrived off the substitutes' bench with Sesko subsequently rewarded by beginning matches against Palace and Newcastle.
Carrick now potentially faces a selection dilemma for this Sunday's Premier League showdown against Villa. Unai Emery's team favour constructing play from the back and through the lines, suggesting Bryan Mbeumo might be more apt for the striker role, with Amad then stepping into the squad in place of Sesko.