Manchester United are now the overwhelming favourites to end the Premier League season in third position, but Gary Lineker and Micah Richards disagree with some United legends over Michael Carrick being named as the club's permanent manager.
Man United have gone from being top-four hopefuls under Ruben Amorim to the lead candidates to secure a spot in next season's Champions League behind Manchester City and Arsenal.
The Red Devils suffered a setback as they were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle United earlier this month in the first defeat of the Carrick reign, having won six and drawn one of his opening seven matches in charge.
Carrick knew his team had to bounce back when they hosted fourth-placed Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, especially after Chelsea had been beaten by Newcastle on Saturday.
They did exactly that with a convincing 3-1 win against Unai Emery's men, with United further boosted by Liverpool being held to a draw by Tottenham Hotspur later in the afternoon.
Lineker and Richards Disagree With United Legends Over Carrick
Man City fans slam Micah Richards
Man City fans slam Micah Richards
Even though Carrick has taken 22 points from a possible 27 available, it doesn't appear to have convinced some United legends that he is the right man to be named as the club's permanent manager for next season.
Paul Scholes appeared to aim criticism at Carrick for how the team was playing on Instagram following the loss to 10-man Newcastle, while Roy Keane believes that there are better options available to United in the summer.
While Gary Neville hasn't ruled out Carrick being deserving of the job, he also believes that United must appoint the best manager available to them.
One United legend who does disagree with the others is Wayne Rooney, who believes he will earn the right to get the job if he secures Champions League qualification.
Richards and Lineker are on Rooney's side, as they revealed on the latest episode of the Rest is Football podcast:
Richards said: "He needs a lot of credit, does Carrick, because that was a difficult job to take at that time. His reputation was on the line no matter what.
"We've seen ex-pros from Man United saying it's not the right fit long term. I believe it is."
Lineker replied:
"I don't understand why they say that. You can't say that until he has a good go at it. He's doing it alright.
Richards added:
"In fairness, I think their opinion was hire the best, so they've tried that. I just think he was the best available right now. Feel-good factor, tactically, he's been at the club before, he knows the players. So it's almost like it's perfect. He might not be the manager for Man United to go and win the league in future seasons, but for right now he's a perfect fit. And I said that from day one."
Who Else Could Man United Target?
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann singing the national anthem
According to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs, three names have been placed on the shortlist of United senior officials ahead of the summer.
Two of those will manage at the 2026 World Cup in Germany's Julian Nagelsmann and Portugal's Roberto Martinez, while the third name is the out-of-work Roberto De Zerbi.
Recent reports suggest that United chiefs believe another potential target and World Cup manager in Mauricio Pochettino is more likely to be Tottenham Hotspur manager next season, although that could depend on their Premier League status.
Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti are two more desirable World Cup managers who are set to stay in charge of England and Brazil respectively after the tournament.
Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Enrique is another name mentioned in recent weeks, with Patrice Evra describing him as the club's 'dream' appointment.
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Roy Keane Names Three Managers Man Utd Should Hire Over Michael Carrick
Keane thinks Manchester United shouldn't give Carrick the manager role on a permanent basis, saying 'there are better options out there'.