Michael Carrick Should Be Manchester United's Permanent Manager, Rooney Says

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Wayne Rooney is convinced Michael Carrick deserves the Manchester United head coach position on a long-term basis, after guiding the team into third place in the Premier League and restoring momentum in the chase for Champions League qualification this season.

Rooney, who captained Manchester United during a successful era, stressed that the club should not overlook Carrick’s impact or search elsewhere while results remain strong, as the current run has pushed United three points ahead of rivals pursuing the final Champions League spots.

Since returning to the Manchester United head coach role on 17 January, Michael Carrick has collected 22 points from nine Premier League matches, with a record of seven wins, one draw and one defeat, the best points tally in that period across the division.

Carrick’s team now sits only seven points behind second-placed Manchester City with eight league fixtures left, which keeps alive faint hopes of climbing further, though the immediate priority stays securing Champions League football for the 2026-27 campaign.

At Old Trafford, Michael Carrick has overseen six Premier League matches and won every one, becoming only the fourth manager in league history to claim victory in each of their first six home games, a sequence that has transformed the mood around Manchester United.

Those wins include a derby success against Manchester City on home turf and a 3-2 away triumph at leaders Arsenal, results which have strengthened belief inside the Manchester United squad that Carrick’s approach can deliver against the strongest Premier League opponents.

Rooney made clear that Carrick’s understanding of the club and dressing room has been vital, saying: "100% he should [get the job],Rooney said on BBC's 5Live Sport.I have said this. I knew this was going to happen with Michael Carrick. I know him very well. I know his character, his personality. It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place and the players needed some love, and he has given them that."

Michael Carrick Manchester United players respond on the pitch

Bruno Fernandes has remained central to Manchester United’s attacking play under Michael Carrick, while Benjamin Sesko has begun to score more regularly, supported by important contributions from Bryan Mbeumo, Casemiro and Matheus Cunha across recent Premier League fixtures.

Rooney believes this improved performance level reflects Carrick’s management style, saying the squad now appears united and organised, with players showing greater confidence in possession and working harder off the ball within Manchester United’s current system.

Reflecting on the transformation, Rooney highlighted how the squad now performs collectively, stating: "We have seen the players play with more quality, more together as a team, and they look like a very strong team, he added. For me, why would you change? He has got the best winning percentage of any Manchester United manager after that many games. For me, he has to get the job."

Carrick has also spoken warmly about the support inside Old Trafford during the 3-1 victory against Aston Villa, and with eight league matches remaining, Manchester United’s strong form under Michael Carrick gives the hierarchy a clear body of evidence as they consider who should guide the club into the 2026-27 season.