Steve Bruce has put himself in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s shoes ahead of a crucial coaching decision, following Michael Carrick’s impressive turnaround of Manchester United’s season.
Manchester United made a major decision in January to sack Ruben Amorim, 14 months after hiring the Portuguese coach.
Michael Carrick was appointed interim head coach two weeks later, until the end of the season, but he has made a strong enough case to put himself in contention for the job permanently.
Now, United are on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League as they sit third in the Premier League with four games remaining.
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Steve Bruce backs Michael Carrick for Man Utd job
Steve Bruce has told United who they should appoint to be their next head coach.
After replacing Amorim midway through the 2025/26 campaign, Carrick has emerged as the frontrunner to be United’s next permanent head coach.
Carrick arrived initially to remain in charge until the summer, but Bruce says he would keep him in the dugout if he was in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s shoes.
“I sincerely hope he gets it,” Bruce told Stick To Cricket when asked about Carrick.
“Why not? He’s certainly in pole position, he gets the club, he understands the club, he’s been there, so I hope so.
“If I was [Ratcliffe], why not?”
Ratcliffe won’t be the only one in charge of the big decision at United this summer. Football director Jason Wilcox will play a big role in whatever call United make, along with chief executive Omar Berrada.
United take on Liverpool on Sunday in a game that could see Carrick’s side bridge a six-point gap over their Merseyside rivals.
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When did Steve Bruce manage last?
Bruce managed an array of English football clubs throughout his career.
His managerial career started at Sheffield United, but he also took charge of Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic, Crystal Palace, Birmingham City, Wigan, Sunderland, Hull City, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle, and West Brom.
The last managerial job Bruce held was at Blackpool between 2024 and 2025.
At the age of 65, it remains to be seen if Bruce will return to management or if he’ll continue airing his views on the sport and enjoy retirement.
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