"Pole position": Wayne Rooney fancies 44yo to become permanent Man Utd manager

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has backed Michael Carrick to secure the permanent managerial role at the Red Devils if they qualify for the Champions League.

United have had a tremendous turnaround in league form under Carrick’s tutelage. The 44-year-old was appointed interim head coach in January. The club have since picked up 19 points from eight matches.

The Red Devils recently stumbled with a late 2-1 loss to Newcastle United at St James’ Park, but they are still placed third in the standings, ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference. The club also have a three-point lead over Chelsea and Liverpool.

In today’s Stick to Football Podcast, Gary Neville asked Rooney whether Carrick would get the job if United finish third. In response, the 40-year-old said that his former teammate will put himself in pole position with Champions League qualification.

He said: “I think if they get Champions League football, he should get the job and he puts himself right up there if they are looking for new managers. He definitely puts himself in pole position. I think he gets Champions League.

Carrick well placed to secure permanent Man Utd role

United have been on a steady rise under Carrick since January. The Englishman started his interim tenure with statement wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, while also ending an eight-match winless streak against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Red Devils have not been entirely convincing in other games, but have managed to secure crucial points. Benjamin Sesko has been a difference maker with three winning goals, while also scoring a dramatic equaliser at West Ham United.

Carrick has made the right managerial decisions, barring the Magpies loss, where he should have avoided bringing on Tyrell Malacia for the injured Noussair Mazraoui. The Dutchman was at fault for the late defeat and may have played his final game for the club.

As things stand, a top-five league finish would be sufficient to qualify for the Champions League. The Red Devils are goal difference ahead of Villa, and have a three-point buffer over Chelsea and Liverpool. They still have to face all of those teams.

Villa will travel to Old Trafford on Sunday. Unai Emery’s side were the last team to beat United before the Magpies at Villa Park in December. The Red Devils have the opportunity to avenge the defeat and boost their Champions League pursuit.

It would be a no-brainer to appoint Carrick as manager if United secure Champions League football.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .