Monday, January 26, 2026 - Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has said he would not give Michael Carrick the club’s managerial job on a permanent basis, despite the former midfielder’s impressive results as interim boss, including victories over teams managed by Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.
Keane made his views known during a heated debate on Sky
Sports following Manchester United’s 3–2 win over Arsenal at the Emirates
Stadium on Sunday. Carrick, 44, has enjoyed a remarkable start in temporary
charge, recording wins over Manchester City, Arsenal, Unai Emery’s side and
Thomas Tuchel’s team, giving him a perfect points return since taking over
earlier this month.
Asked by Micah Richards whether Carrick should now be
considered for the job full-time, Keane dismissed the suggestion. “No, you’re
being silly now,” he said. “He’s had two great performances but anybody can win
two games.
“It’s what he does until the end of the season and even if
they do get into fourth I still wouldn’t be convinced he’s the man for the job,
absolutely not. They need a bigger and better manager but he’s got the
opportunity.”
Keane went further, insisting that even a flawless run would
not change his opinion. “I think if United win every game from now until the
end of the season, I still wouldn’t be giving him the job,” he said. “I just
think they need a bigger, more experienced manager, it’s as simple as that.
“Carrick could win every game. The timing coming into the
job is fantastic for him. And he said it there, he’s enjoying it, but you’re
enjoying management when you’re winning football matches, of course.”
Manchester United’s win over Arsenal came after a dramatic
comeback, with goals from Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha sealing victory after
Bryan Mbeumo had earlier capitalised on an error to equalise. The result
followed a previous win over Manchester City and has put United in a strong
position in the league.
Keane questioned whether Carrick could meet the long-term
demands of the club. “The size of the club and the challenges they will face
over the next few years… you want a manager who you feel can come in and get
United winning league titles,” he said.
“Are we all going to sit here and believe Michael Carrick
can get United winning league titles? The last two weeks are not enough for me.
If you think off the back of two wins he warrants the job then that’s your
opinion and I’m entitled to mine and I don’t believe he is the man to get
United back to winning league titles.”
Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira disagreed, arguing
that Carrick deserved a chance, citing examples of younger managers who had
succeeded at top clubs. “I think you have young managers with no experience who
deserve to have a chance,” Vieira said, pointing to cases in European football
where first-time managers had thrived.
Keane rejected the comparison, saying: “There’s loads of
examples of young managers getting opportunities and doing really well. But
there’s more examples of managers getting jobs and not doing well.”
Gary Neville later offered a more measured view, saying
Carrick’s football had made him feel like he had “got his club back,” but
suggesting the board should still look to appoint an elite, experienced coach
at the end of the season. Keane, however, also challenged Neville’s praise,
continuing the animated exchange on air.
Carrick is expected to remain in charge until the end of the
season, similar to the interim role previously occupied by Ralf Rangnick, while
Manchester United search for a permanent head coach.
0 Comments