Assessments of interim manager Michael Carrick (45) are mixed. While Wayne Rooney (41) publicly backed him, saying "He should take the manager job 100%," Roy Keane (55) voiced the opposite opinion.
The British Daily Mail reported on the 16th (Korean time) that Roy Keane opposed the formal appointment of Carrick as Manchester United's next manager.
Man United beat Aston Villa 3-1 in the Premier League match on the 16th. Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko scored to secure three points and keep the club in third place in the league. The gap with fourth-place Villa widened to three points, and differences were also created with fifth-place Liverpool and sixth-place Chelsea.
This victory has continued positive evaluations of the Carrick regime. Carrick took charge after the dismissal of coach Rúben Amorim in January and stabilized the team quickly, recording seven wins in nine league games. Keane argued that Carrick is unlikely to be a long-term solution.
On Sky Sports, he said, "I think there is a possibility that Man United will give Carrick the permanent manager job. But I wouldn't do that."
He added, "Judging by the results so far, he has done a good job. He simplified the team and produced wins," while also evaluating, "But up to now the situation allowed preparing for matches without taking big risks."
Keane emphasized that the role Carrick is currently performing and becoming the permanent manager are entirely different matters.
He explained, "So far Carrick's mission has simply been to win matches. Of course that is an important role of a manager, but if he becomes the permanent manager he will have many more responsibilities such as contract matters, preseason preparation, building a medical staff, player recruitment and scouting."
He also pointed out, "To lead a club like Man United you need a manager with experience in competing for trophies and experience on the European stage. Carrick does not yet have that track record."
Nevertheless, he acknowledged Carrick's achievements. Keane added, "If Carrick becomes manager, I wish him luck. He has done a very good job so far. But I think there are better options on the market."
Keane mentioned Diego Simeone and Luis Enrique as candidates for the next manager. He also said leaders like Thomas Tuchel could be considered as options.
He stressed, "For a club like Man United you must find the best manager. The board's responsibility is to make the best possible choice."
This remark was the exact opposite of the evaluation Rooney made the same day. In a BBC Radio 5 Live interview, Rooney said, "Carrick should take the manager job 100%. The team needed a calm leader, and Carrick fulfilled that role. The players are moving like one team. I don't know why they would change."
Carrick himself has remained cautious. After the Villa match, he said in an interview, "I don't pay much attention to the surrounding talk. My role now is simply to lead the team well." He said he had spoken with club chief executive Omar Berrada and director Jason Wilcox but is currently focused on the next match, the away game at Bournemouth.
The debate over the Man United managerial position continues. As Carrick maintains momentum, his results through the end of the season are expected to be an important variable in the club's final decision.
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