Manchester United and England icon Wayne Rooney has dropped a clear-cut verdict ahead of the potential stunning return of club legend Michael Carrick to Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick has now become the leading favourite to become Manchester United caretaker manager ahead of fellow Red Devils legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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According to The Guardian, the 44-year-old ex-Man Utd midfielder’s appointment to the aforementioned coaching role is expected to take place on Tuesday.
Darren Fletcher has been serving as interim United manager and took charge of the Red Devils’ last two matches after the sacking of Ruben Amorim last Monday.
The Guardian reports that the Manchester United Under-18s boss Darren Fletcher will be offered the “opportunity” to be part of Carrick’s United coaching staff.
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Manchester United legend Michael Carrick has been out of management since he was sacked from his head coach role at Championship side Middlesbrough in 2024.
It is believed that Carrick will take charge of United first-team training at the Carrington complex on Wednesday ahead of his first match in charge of the club.
Carrick had previously served under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford and was briefly appointed as Man Utd caretaker manager in 2021 as well.
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Speaking on BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show podcast, Wayne Rooney admitted that he would serve in Carrick’s coaching staff if his former teammate asked him.
However, the 40-year-old legendary former Man Utd captain insisted that the “most important” task for the Red Devils is to appoint a new permanent manager.
When asked about linking up with Carrick in his United coaching staff, Rooney said: “Of course, I would. It’s a no-brainer.
“I’m not begging a job here, by the way. Just so everyone knows, if I was [sic] asked to go in, of course, I would.
“Appointing the manager is the most important thing.”
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Rooney believes that Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe must ensure that different figures of Man Utd’s past are present at the club amid Carrick’s soon-to-be appointment.
“Whether Michael goes in or if that’s Fletch [Darren Fletcher] or John O’Shea or myself, it needs people who know the football club,” he said.
“Roy Keane – I know Roy has had his opinions, I said about Roy going in earlier in the season.”
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Rooney added: “Having people who know the club, who care for the club and understand what it takes to be a Manchester United player – that’s where the club needs to be.
“The club has lost its identity, it’s lost that family feel, if you like. Whether it’s Ole [Ole Gunnar Solskjaer] or Michael, this is an opportunity to bring that back, bring the spirit of Manchester United back to the football club.”
Carrick’s first match in charge as United caretaker manager would be against Manchester City in the Premier League fixture at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
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