Wayne Rooney has explained from a players’ perspective why transfer targets may have doubts about joining Manchester United.
Manchester United are back in the Champions League for 2026/27, and Ineos should have a sizeable budget to lead a squad overhaul in the summer transfer window.
A midfield revamp is on the cards, with United expected to sign three midfielders this summer.
There are already as many as 24 midfield targets on United’s radar, but Wayne Rooney is worried that the manager situation could complicate matters.
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Wayne Rooney urges Man Utd to provide Michael Carrick ‘clarity’
The 0-0 draw with Sunderland this weekend wasn’t the highlight of Michael Carrick’s interim spell, but it does mean he has lost just two of his 15 matches in charge of the Red Devils.
Carrick is the favourite for the permanent job, but Ineos continue to delay the decision.
Rooney, speaking on Match of the Day, explained why that hesitation could cost United their transfer targets.
“Manchester United need to invest in players in the summer,” Rooney said. “In order for them to compete in the Champions League and Premier League, they need to invest.
“If I was a player and Manchester United wanted to sign me, the first question I’d ask is ‘does the manager want me’, ‘who is the manager’?
“So I think for Manchester United, they need that clarity over who the manager is.
“Players will be looking at Manchester United, but they will also be looking at other teams. So what you don’t want to do is have your targets but lose them because you don’t have a manager in place.
“He’s [Carrick’s] done everything to get it done, so let’s start bringing players in.”
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Ineos must make Michael Carrick decision soon
The longer Ineos wait to hire Carrick permanently, the more uncertainty builds.
United players support Carrick’s appointment, and his results this season speak for themselves.
While Gary Neville wants United to hire a ‘world-class’ coach, there are not many on the market. Carrick has done better than everyone expected, and he deserves a shot at the permanent job.
As Rooney mentions, United have a big summer ahead, and the uncertainty over the manager position only complicates transfer business.
Ineos must stick to their transfer plan, but that is only possible if they give Carrick the job sooner rather than later.
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