EXCLUSIVE: Michael Carrick must be made Manchester United's permanent manager says his former team-mate and Premier League winner Michael Owen
17:00, 06 Apr 2026
Michael Carrick
View 4 Images
Michael Carrick has been backed to be given the Manchester United job permanently(Image: Matt Impey/Shutterstock)
Michael Owen has backed his former team-mate Michael Carrick to be given the Manchester United manager job permanently.
Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January and has won seven of his 10 games in charge, losing just once at St James’ Park against Newcastle. United have climbed up the table with their former midfielder at the helm – now sitting third, six points ahead of Liverpool in fifth.
The ex-midfielder, who won everything on offer during his time at Old Trafford, is on a short-term contract until the end of the season. United are yet to make a decision regarding giving the 44-year-old a long-term contract or attempting to attract a new manager.
Manchester United head coach / manager Michael Carrick celebrates with Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United at full time during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on February 1, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
View 4 Images
Michael Carrick has brought the feel-good factor back to Old Trafford(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Speaking with Daily Star Sport, ex-Red Devils striker Owen, the official UK ambassador for Casino.org, a trusted comparison website highlighting the best online casinos for UK players, put his firm backing behind Carrick.
And the 46-year-oldwho became a Premier League winner under Sir Alex Ferguson called for the Old Trafford hierarchy to reward Carrick's good start with a new deal.
Owen said: "Michael Carrick should be given the job full time and now start looking at transfers for next season with the board.
"I have no doubt he’s the right man, right now for the job. You look at his record and he is a breath of fresh air at the club. The team are progressing, well in contention and very likely for Champions League football, so this was a long way off when he took over.
Michael Owen has issued a clear Michael Carrick Manchester United verdict
View 4 Images
Michael Owen has backed Michael Carrick to succeed at Manchester United(Image: (Photo by Anna Gowthorpe/Shutterstock))
Michael Carrick and Michael Owen were Manchester United team-mates
View 4 Images
Michael Carrick and Michael Owen were Manchester United team-mates(Image: Action Images)
"Players all look to be improving and he’s getting a tune out of players who Amorim didn't like. For me there is no debate on Carrick, he should be given the role and in terms of signings, Bruno Fernandes extension is one, given Casemiro is leaving.
Article continues below
"Elsewhere in the middle of midfield Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton are getting a lot of plaudits. I like [Benjamin] Sesko, but I believe he isn't the long term answer and another striker is needed."
Given the Premier League’s place in the UEFA coefficient ranking, fifth place in the Premier League looks set to be a Champions League spot again.
If so, United would need to finish in the top five and are currently seven points ahead of Chelsea in sixth with as many games left to play – a position no one could have anticipated when Carrick took over the reins from the dismal Amorim.