Micah Richards has now explained to Gary Lineker why certain Manchester United legends might be reacting in the way that they are towards Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick has earned the approval of the likes of Peter Schmeichel and Wayne Rooney when it comes to vying for the permanent Manchester United manager role.
However, the 44-year-old United legend has been ruled out of the running by other figures, despite his impressive interim managerial spell at Old Trafford so far.
Carrick’s former United teammates Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and Gary Neville have been vocal about the Red Devils exploring other options for the managerial post.
READ MORE: Wayne Rooney warns Ineos of snubbing Michael Carrick for Man Utd role and backing ‘risky’ appointment instead
Michael Carrick speaks with Matheus Cunha during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
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Micah Richards and Gary Lineker discuss the response of Man Utd legends who oppose Michael Carrick’s permanent appointment
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Micah Richards insisted that Michael Carrick put his entire name on the line by becoming the Red Devils’ interim boss.
“His reputation was on the line, no matter what,” he said.
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Responding to Richards’ assessment, Gary Lineker simply added: “Definitely.”
Carrick returned to Old Trafford in January and was installed as interim manager after Manchester United sacked Ruben Amorim as the Red Devils’ head coach.
Ineos are now searching for the long-term successor to Ruben Amorim in the Old Trafford hot seat, with Carrick’s interim spell lasting only until the end of the season.
“We’ve seen [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer go there,” Richards continued.
“We’ve seen ex-pros from Manchester United saying it’s not the right fit, long-term. I believe it is.”
Interjecting Richards’ verdict on Man Utd legends, Lineker reacted: “I don’t understand why they say that.
“I mean, you can’t say that until he has a good go at it. He’s doing all right.”
Richards then argued: “But in fairness, I think their opinion was hire the best. So, they’ve tried that. Trophies.”
READ MORE: Freddie Ljungberg identifies one trait Michael Carrick has at Man Utd that Igor Tudor is lacking at Spurs
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Micah Richards on Michael Carrick as the next Man Utd manager if Ineos commit to the decision
Carrick has won seven of his nine Premier League matches in charge at Old Trafford since he took over the reins from former Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim.
Richards is unsure if Carrick could lead Man Utd to a Premier League title in the future, but he still thinks he would be the “perfect fit” for the club in the short term.
“Yeah, they tried that. I just think he was the best available right now. The feel-good factor, tactically, he knows,” Richards explained.
“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 Manchester United to go win the league in future seasons. But for right now, he might be; he’s a perfect fit. And I said that from day one.”
Carrick has only eight matches remaining in his interim Man Utd head coach reign, with the Red Devils currently third in the Premier League table under him.
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