Wayne Rooney Backs Michael Carrick for Manchester United Coaching Role
Wayne Rooney has expressed that it would be a "no-brainer" for him to rejoin Manchester United as a coach if Michael Carrick is appointed as caretaker boss and offers him a position on his staff.
Carrick, a former teammate of Rooney at both United and England, is currently the frontrunner to take charge at Old Trafford until the end of the season, following the dismissal of former manager Ruben Amorim on January 5.
In the interim, Darren Fletcher, another former United player and teammate of Rooney, has been given temporary managerial duties. He has overseen a Premier League draw against Burnley and a 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton.
The club's leadership is aiming to finalize the caretaker appointment before the players return to training on Wednesday.
On the latest episode of BBC's The Wayne Rooney Show, the club's all-time leading goalscorer stated that Carrick would be a "great fit" for the role and that he would readily offer his support if needed.
"Whether it's Michael, Fletcher, John O'Shea, or myself, the club needs people who understand its culture," Rooney remarked, noting that he recently vacationed in Barbados with Carrick and his family.
He continued, "Roy Keane has shared his views, and I mentioned earlier this season that he could be a candidate. It's essential to have individuals who know and care for the club and understand what it means to be a Manchester United player. The club has lost its identity and that familial atmosphere. This is an opportunity to restore that spirit, whether with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Michael Carrick."
When asked if he would join Carrick's coaching staff, Rooney affirmed, "Of course I would. It’s a no-brainer. I want to clarify that I’m not begging for a job; if asked, I would accept. The priority is to appoint the right manager."
Carrick, who is 44 years old, had a brief stint as United's caretaker manager after Solskjaer's departure in 2021, where he achieved two wins and one draw before stepping down following Ralf Rangnick's appointment as interim manager.
Meanwhile, Solskjaer has reportedly engaged in discussions with the club regarding a potential return.
Carrick 'Would Be a Really Good Fit'
Rooney, now 40, made 559 appearances and scored 253 goals during a successful 13-year career at United, winning five Premier League titles and one each of the Champions League, Europa League, and FA Cup before returning to his boyhood club, Everton, in 2017.
He has previously managed Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City, and Plymouth Argyle, leaving the latter by mutual consent in December 2024. Rooney believes the current squad needs to demonstrate more "hunger and desire" akin to club legends Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, and he remains a close friend of Carrick, whom he believes would be an ideal choice for the managerial position.
"Michael is very intelligent and has done an excellent job at Middlesbrough," Rooney stated. "I think it would be a really good fit. Currently, there are no top managers available who have a proven track record of success. It seems like it will come down to either Ole or Michael. Carrick knows the club inside out, which is exactly what it needs. He has a deep love for the football club and would seize the opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities in the coming months, potentially convincing the owners that they need not look elsewhere."
Rooney concluded, "Whoever takes on this role now has a chance to prove their worth. If they do not, Thomas Tuchel remains a strong candidate."