Michael Owen has urged Manchester United to appoint Michael Carrick as their permanent manager, following what he described as an “impressive and convincing” run in charge at Old Trafford.
Carrick, who initially stepped in on an interim basis during a difficult period for the club, has overseen a noticeable turnaround in both results and performances. Manchester United have shown greater tactical discipline, improved defensive organisation, and a clearer attacking identity—factors that have helped stabilise their season and reignite hopes of a strong finish.
Speaking on the situation, Owen suggested that Carrick has already demonstrated the qualities required to lead the club long-term. He pointed to the consistency in performances and the renewed confidence within the squad as evidence that the former midfielder has quickly adapted to the demands of top-level management
‘Imagine if you got rid of Michael Carrick, just imagine it, and you brought in whoever – I don’t care who it is, even a born winner, somebody they’ve already had, that type of manager,’ Owen told casino.org
‘Imagine if things started spiralling, started going poorly again; the ownership would get absolutely lynched. I’m astounded by certain people saying no, they shouldn’t appoint him. Astounded. Why on earth is this even a question? I don’t get it.
‘I’m not saying, “go and give him a 10-year contract, everything’s perfect”. But bloody hell, what more can he do? You’ve just got to let this roll. This Manchester United team look like they’re on the way back at this stage. Why would you interfere with anything?
‘I’d be firmly in the camp of him keeping the job. How long is it since Sir Alex left? About a dozen years now. They’ve tried everything: proven managers, the Van Gaals, you’ve had the Mourinhos, David Moyes, then they’ve gone for ex-players and given the likes of Solskjaer a go.
‘Then they’ve gone a little bit left field and appointed one or two others. The new up-and-coming Portuguese superstar in Amorim, or Ralf Rangnick.
‘They have tried virtually everything, and after a dozen years of trying and failing, you land on somebody that’s getting a tune out of the players
‘They’re winning games, they’re looking progressive, some of the players are playing the best football they’ve played in years. How on earth can anybody say that he shouldn’t continue? What’s the worst that can happen? You give him a two-year contract.
‘He starts the next season, for the first three or four months he loses every game and he’s useless. He can part company with the club. It’s not like you’ve got to stick with someone for 10 years. It’s not like this is the biggest decision ever. He’s doing well, why not just let it continue? This is absolutely unbelievable what we’re seeing from Manchester United.
‘If the league started when Carrick took over, Manchester United would be top of the league. We’re talking at this stage now, we’d be a third of the way through the season and Manchester United at the top of the league. You’d be thinking, well, can they win the league?’
Why United would be foolish to overlook Carrick
For years, United have chased big-name managers in an attempt to restore former glories, often at the expense of stability and long-term planning. Carrick represents the opposite approach—measured, aligned with the club’s culture, and already delivering tangible progress.
What stands out most is not just the results, but the manner in which they have been achieved. Manchester United look more organised, more cohesive, and more confident—signs of a team responding to clear coaching and leadership. Importantly, Carrick has achieved this without the luxury of a full pre-season or a squad built in his image.
There is also the intangible factor of identity. Carrick understands the expectations and pressures of Old Trafford in a way few external candidates can. That connection should not be underestimated, particularly during a period of transition.
More Manchester United News And Gossip
Top Read: Biggest News of day: European Giants ‘WILL SELL’ Explosive star to Manchester United in summer
Most Read: Carrick confirms United talks with defender – Man United free sign Barca star – United wants £60M Gooner
LOVE MAN UNITED? CLICK RIGHT HERE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND GOSSIP
Related
Discover more from IcFootballNews –
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.