Wayne Rooney: Following Carrick, INEOS urged to weigh up another sensational Old Trafford return

Any moment now, or even as you read this, Manchester United will, or perhaps already have, announced their caretaker head coach.

In a dramatic twist of events, Michael Carrick has overtaken Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the favourite to guide the Red Devils through to the end of the season.

The former United midfielder is expected to steady the ship until the summer , when a permanent decision will be made regarding the club’s technical bench.

There are, in fact, strong positives to Carrick’s temporary appointment, and Wayne Rooney , speaking on his BBC podcast , has summed them up perfectly.

The legendary United goalscorer admitted: “Whether Michael [Carrick] goes in or if that’s Fletch [Darren Fletcher], John O’Shea or myself, it needs people who know the football club.”

He went on: “Roy Keane – I know Roy has had his opinions, I said about Roy going in earlier in the season. 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 [Solskjaer] or Michael, this is an opportunity to bring that back, to restore the spirit of Manchester United .”

As Carrick begins assembling a capable backroom team to help United at least return to Champions League football, Rooney has put himself forward as a willing option.

“Of course I would. It’s a no‑brainer,” said the former United No.10 when asked if he would be willing to join Carrick’s staff.

“I’m not begging for a job here, just so everyone knows. But if I was asked to go in, of course I would. Appointing the manager is the most important thing.”

The prospect of Rooney and Carrick working side by side on United’s technical bench would be a sensational combination, one that many Old Trafford faithful would relish.

Yet, in reality, such a partnership remains unlikely. Carrick will already have a clear idea of who he wants around him, and forcing Rooney into that structure could upset the balance, ultimately harming United’s hopes this season.

With a competent backroom team, however, United should have every chance of clinching a top‑four finish. The hope now is that Carrick assembles one capable of delivering exactly that.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

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