(Photo by Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United/Martin Ricketts/PA Images via Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney has backed Michael Carrick to become Manchester United’s permanent manager following their 3-1 win over Aston Villa.
Victory at Old Trafford strengthened United’s grip on third place and further fueled the debate over whether the caretaker manager had done enough to earn him a full-time role.
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Wayne Rooney backs Manchester United’s Michael Carrick
After the match, Rooney made his support for his former team-mate clear on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Rooney emphasized that Carrick’s influence extends beyond tactical adjustments, pointing to the new unity within the team.
The United legend also highlighted Carrick’s historic start, surpassing the initial winning percentage of any previous prominent manager.
he said:
“100% he should (get the job). I said this. I knew this was going to happen with Michael Carrick.”
“I know him very well. I know his personality, I know his personality. You needed calmness, but you also needed love, knowing the place and the players. And he gave them that.”
“We’ve seen the players playing with higher quality and coming together more as a team. We look like a very strong team. For me, why change?”
“After so many games, he has achieved the highest winning percentage of any Manchester United manager. For me, he has to get the job.”
Michael Carrick asserted himself
The statistics certainly support Rooney’s ‘duh’ attitude. Since taking over in mid-January, Carrick has led the Red Devils to seven wins, one draw and one loss in nine Premier League games.
The impressive rise has seen United take 22 of 27 points and transform them from seventh-placed outsiders to favorites for Champions League qualification.
Sunday’s win against Villa made it seven wins from nine. Despite Ross Barkley’s late equalizer, United kept their cool and sealed victory with goals from Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and super-sub Benjamin Sesco.
Bruno Fernandes also broke the club’s single-season assist record (16), and the mood around Carrington changed from crisis to confidence.
The board is reportedly considering a shortlist of five candidates, including Roberto De Zerbi, but Rooney believes the answer is already at hand.
