“Unbelievable!” Owen Defends Carrick for United
Former Manchester United winger Michael Owen has expressed disbelief over lingering doubts about Michael Carrick’s suitability for the permanent manager’s role at Old Trafford, arguing that the caretaker boss has demonstrated the quality needed to lead the club beyond the current season.
Carrick, 44, was appointed interim head coach in January 2026 following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, whose brief tenure ended after a disappointing run of results left United struggling in mid-table. Since taking charge, the former United midfielder has overseen a remarkable turnaround, winning six of his eight matches in charge and guiding the club from sixth place to third in the Premier League table.
Speaking on the BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show on Friday, Owen said Carrick has restored stability and confidence at a club that has endured years of managerial upheaval since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
“I can’t believe people are questioning whether he should get the job. Manchester United have waited about 12 years. They’ve gone for proven managers and legends since the days of Alex Ferguson,” Owen stated. “The one time they are starting to play well, getting results and the fans are on board, you’re telling me if he finishes third they’ll say ‘thanks, but no thanks’? How is that possible?”
Owen’s comments reflect growing support among former players and sections of the fanbase for Carrick to be given the role permanently, particularly after his success in reversing United’s fortunes during a critical phase of the season.
Manchester United’s managerial instability since Ferguson’s departure has been well documented. The club has cycled through David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag, and most recently Amorim, with none able to replicate the sustained success achieved under Ferguson, who won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League trophies during his 26 years in charge.
Carrick, who made 464 appearances for United between 2006 and 2018 and won five Premier League titles, one Champions League, one FA Cup, and three League Cups during his playing career, briefly served as caretaker manager in November 2021 following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking. He oversaw three matches, remaining unbeaten before stepping down to pursue opportunities away from the club. He later became manager of Middlesbrough in October 2022, guiding the Championship side before returning to Old Trafford this year.
His recent spell has been marked by tactical clarity, improved defensive organization, and a return to winning form that has reignited United’s push for Champions League qualification. The club currently sits third with several matches remaining in the season, positioning themselves strongly for a top-four finish that would guarantee participation in Europe’s elite club competition.
Former United striker Wayne Rooney, who appeared alongside Owen on the podcast, praised Carrick’s impact but acknowledged internal concerns about the risks involved in appointing another former player to the top job.
“Everyone at Manchester United loves Michael Carrick and they are just scared it doesn’t go right,” Rooney said, adding that Carrick has done an “unbelievable job” since taking over.
Rooney’s assessment reflects a broader tension within the club’s hierarchy between rewarding Carrick’s short-term success and avoiding the pitfalls of previous appointments driven by sentiment rather than proven managerial credentials. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure, which began promisingly after his caretaker spell in 2018 but ultimately ended in disappointment in 2021, remains a cautionary example frequently cited in discussions about former players stepping into the manager’s office.
Despite the positive momentum, Manchester United are understood to be evaluating other managerial candidates alongside Carrick before making a final decision ahead of the 2026/2027 season. The club’s recruitment strategy has reportedly included assessments of several high-profile managers across Europe, though no formal approaches have been confirmed.
United’s recent results under Carrick have included victories over top-half Premier League sides and consistent performances that have steadied a squad that appeared disjointed under Amorim. The team’s improved form has also restored confidence among supporters, many of whom have endured years of underachievement and frequent managerial changes.
Carrick has remained measured in his public comments, consistently emphasizing his focus on the immediate task of securing results rather than speculation about his future. However, his rapport with the squad, tactical acumen, and deep understanding of the club’s culture have strengthened his case for permanent appointment.
The debate over Carrick’s candidacy highlights the broader challenges facing Manchester United as the club seeks to restore its status among Europe’s elite. With substantial investment in players over the past decade yielding inconsistent results, the choice of manager is viewed as critical to the club’s long-term trajectory.
As the season enters its final phase, Carrick’s ability to maintain United’s top-four position and deliver strong performances in remaining fixtures is likely to influence the board’s decision. A successful conclusion to the campaign could make it difficult for United’s hierarchy to overlook his achievements, particularly if fan sentiment continues to shift in his favor.
Manchester United have not issued an official statement regarding the permanent managerial appointment, and Carrick’s immediate focus remains on preparing the team for upcoming league fixtures as the race for Champions League qualification intensifies.