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Carrick takes interim charge amid United's struggles
Manchester United appointed former midfielder Michael Carrick as caretaker manager on Tuesday, entrusting him with the challenge of reviving the club's fortunes until the end of the season. The decision follows the departure of Ruben Amorim, with United currently sitting seventh in the Premier League after securing just one victory in their last six matches.
Rooney backs Carrick to restore stability
Wayne Rooney, who shared the pitch with Carrick 366 times during their playing days at Old Trafford, expressed confidence in his former teammate's ability to steady the ship. Speaking on the BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney described Carrick as a composed yet determined figure.
"Michael's great fun. He's a great character, but don't be fooled by how calm he looks. He can have fun as well, but make no mistake, he'd be going in there now with full focus."
Wayne Rooney
Rooney emphasized that Carrick's appointment was a logical choice given the current managerial landscape, though he acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead. "It is probably the obvious choice really because I don't think there are any top, top managers available at the minute," he said.
Carrick's managerial track record
Carrick, 44, enjoyed a 12-year playing career at United, making 464 appearances and winning five Premier League titles. He briefly served as caretaker manager in 2021, overseeing two wins and a draw in three matches. Between 2022 and 2025, he managed Middlesbrough, where he won 63 of his 136 games in charge.
His first test as United's interim boss comes on Saturday (12:30 GMT) when the team hosts local rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford. Rooney believes Carrick's presence will inject much-needed calmness and resilience into the squad.
"I think what he will do is bring a bit of calmness, a bit of grit to the game, which I think is needed. It is going to be very difficult, Manchester City are obviously a top team and it will be difficult to get anything out of it even at Old Trafford. But as we've seen over the years, Manchester United if they do turn up can win the game and hopefully that happens on Saturday."
Wayne Rooney
New coaching staff announced
Carrick has assembled a backroom team that includes former England assistant coach Steve Holland as his number two. Holland, known for his tactical acumen, worked under Gareth Southgate during England's fourth-place finish at the 2018 World Cup and their runner-up campaigns at Euro 2020 and 2024. Rooney praised Holland's organizational skills, noting that he led most of England's training sessions while Southgate focused on managerial duties.
Joining Holland are Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, and Travis Binnion, completing Carrick's coaching staff. Rooney suggested that the duo's experience would bring structure to a United side that has struggled for consistency.
"I think what they will bring, Michael and Steve, is an organisation to Manchester United and I'm sure we'll see on Saturday, they'll be harder to beat."
Wayne Rooney
Summer search for permanent successor looms
While Carrick's appointment provides short-term stability, questions remain about who will take the helm at Old Trafford in the long term. Speculation has already linked former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso and England boss Thomas Tuchel to the role.
Rooney expressed skepticism about Alonso's immediate availability, suggesting the German coach might wait for opportunities at clubs like Liverpool. Tuchel, however, emerged as Rooney's preferred candidate, citing his Premier League experience and trophy-winning pedigree.
"Alonso did incredible at Leverkusen and I think you have more chance of him sitting and waiting and hoping with [Liverpool manager Arne] Slot. Tuchel is the one for me. He knows the Premier League, has won trophies. He is doing well at England. Time will tell."
Wayne Rooney
