Roy Keane’s Support for Michael Carrick Despite Cautionary Notes

omidbasir- Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has unexpectedly voiced his support for Michael Carrick, expressing hope that his former teammate secures the managerial position at Old Trafford on a permanent basis. In a recent appearance on The Overlap podcast, Keane appeared to revise his earlier stance that the club should seek other options, acknowledging that Carrick’s impressive performance as interim manager has shifted the dialogue.

Carrick has made a remarkable start to his tenure, achieving notable victories against Manchester City and Arsenal. These results have evidently resonated with Keane, even though he remains ambivalent about the decision. “I hope they give it [the permanent job] to him. I hope they give it to him in the summer. I don’t think it’s the right decision; good luck with it. But I’m sticking to my guns. I’ve said my piece; I think that he’s got the job, and if he gets it in the summer, then you go ‘listen, good luck to him’,” Keane stated.

While offering his best wishes, Keane emphasized the distinction between the immediate impact of a caretaker manager and the rigorous demands of a permanent role. The former United skipper cautioned that although Carrick has stabilized the team, winning a Premier League title requires a different set of skills. “As a caretaker manager, it’s a different animal to being manager of United trying to win league titles over the next two, three, four, five years, whatever it might be,” Keane explained.

He maintained that the club could potentially aim higher in their search for a long-term successor, insisting, “I think you can get a better manager than Carrick, absolutely. But I think he’s doing a good job; perfect timing for him.”

Keane drew comparisons between Carrick’s current situation and that of Ruud van Nistelrooy, who also had a successful interim period at the club following Erik ten Hag’s departure. Van Nistelrooy, after his interim success, left for Leicester City, where he oversaw their relegation to the Championship. Keane noted that regardless of whether Carrick receives the permanent role, his reputation will be significantly enhanced. “Even if he doesn’t get the United job, these results, a bit like Ruud [Van Nistelrooy], he can get another job, probably another Premiership manager,” Keane observed. “But just because you’re doing well at United, it doesn’t mean he’ll do well at another club. He’s got the players back; it’s all been sliding doors moments. Great for him, and he’s taken advantage of it.”

Consistent with his character, Keane refrained from being swept away by the recent success. While recognizing the “excellent” attacking football displayed against Arsenal, he was quick to point out defensive frailties that were evident during that match. “It’s still only two games,” Keane warned, urging fans to temper their expectations. “United beat Liverpool earlier in the season. They’ve found ways to win games of football before. It’s definitely been better, but let’s see over the next few months and the next year or two. Let’s not get carried away. The attacking play has been excellent, but they gave up two goals at Arsenal.”

With two wins under his belt, Carrick aims to further solidify his standing with United fans and club legends by leading the team to victory against Fulham on Sunday.