Rooney Advocates for Carrick as Manchester United Caretaker

Wayne Rooney has made it clear that he would readily accept a coaching position at Manchester United if Michael Carrick is appointed as the caretaker manager. Carrick, a former teammate of Rooney’s at both United and the England national team, has emerged as the frontrunner to lead the team at Old Trafford following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim on January 5th.

Currently, Darren Fletcher, another former Scotland midfielder and Rooney’s teammate at United, has taken on temporary responsibilities for the first team, having overseen a Premier League draw against Burnley and a 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton.

Club officials are aiming to finalize the caretaker appointment before the players return to training on Wednesday.

In a recent episode of the BBC podcast “The Wayne Rooney Show,” Rooney articulated that Carrick would be an excellent fit for the managerial role, stating he would offer his support if needed.

“Whether it’s Michael, Fletch, or myself, the team needs individuals who understand the football club,” Rooney remarked, having recently vacationed in Barbados with Carrick and his family.

He expressed the sentiment that “the club has lost its identity and that family feel” and that this is a crucial moment to restore the spirit of Manchester United.

When asked about joining Carrick’s coaching staff, Rooney affirmed, “Of course, it’s a no-brainer. I’m not begging for a job, but if I were asked, I would definitely say yes. The appointment of the manager is the most critical aspect right now.”

Carrick, now 44, had a brief stint as United’s interim manager in 2021, where he achieved two wins and one draw before stepping aside for Ralf Rangnick.

Rooney, who boasts a remarkable record of 559 appearances and 253 goals during his 13-year tenure at United, winning five Premier League titles and several other prestigious trophies, has previously managed teams like Derby, DC United, Birmingham, and Plymouth, from which he parted ways by mutual agreement in December 2024.

Rooney emphasized the current squad’s need for more “hunger and desire,” urging them to emulate the work ethic of club legends such as Ryan Giggs and David Beckham. He reiterated his belief in Carrick’s capabilities, highlighting his successful tenure at Middlesbrough and underscoring that top managerial talent is scarce at this time.

“Do you return to Ole or choose Michael? It looks like it’s going to be one of them. Michael Carrick knows and loves the club; he would be a great fit. This is an opportunity for him to showcase his abilities over the coming months and convince the owners that he is the right choice,” Rooney concluded.

Rooney’s insights come at a pivotal time for Manchester United, as they look to restore their former glory, with Carrick as a potential key player in that effort.