According to Roy Keane, Michael Carrick lacks the sufficient understanding of the game required to guide Manchester United to a Premier League championship, suggesting the club ought to seek a different long-term manager.
Carrick has had a remarkably successful beginning as Manchester United’s interim manager, securing victories in his initial two matches against Manchester City and Arsenal.
These triumphs over the Premier League’s leading two clubs have prompted speculation that Carrick might be considered for the permanent role; however, ex-United captain Keane has expressed caution regarding such a move.
Keane, speaking on The Overlap podcast, stated, “The role of a temporary manager is fundamentally distinct from that of a permanent United boss aiming to secure league titles consistently over the coming years.”
He added, “Consider what’s required for a team like Arsenal to contend for championships, given their squad and the novel experiences they are encountering.”
“Are we seriously suggesting Michael Carrick should manage Manchester United permanently? He lacks sufficient background. I doubt he possesses the depth of tactical understanding,” he questioned.
Keane clarified, “I’m not suggesting Michael Carrick is incapable of becoming an excellent manager, but his appointment as Manchester United’s manager this summer seems ill-timed to me.”
He continued, “Should he take the role and, contrary to my expectations, begin to challenge for and win championships, I would concede, ‘You know what? That’s incredible.'”
He emphasized, “My focus isn’t on merely finishing in the top four or five in the coming seasons. I’m talking about winning trophies. That is Manchester United’s rightful position.”
Manchester United have climbed to fourth position prior to their upcoming Sunday fixture against Fulham, setting themselves up for qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Keane remarked, “United ought to be in fourth or fifth place regardless, barring a complete collapse. Does merely achieving that qualify someone to become Manchester United’s permanent manager?”
He added, “Had you inquired about Manchester United’s prospective manager a month or so back, Carrick’s name wouldn’t have entered the conversation.”
Gary Neville, presenter of The Overlap, supported Keane’s stance, arguing that United should secure “the finest” available manager, suggesting Carrick could potentially serve as an assistant to an experienced, successful coach.
Neville commented, “To take charge of a global football powerhouse and withstand the immense scrutiny that accompanies such a position, extensive prior experience is essential.”
He elaborated, “Consider Mikel Arteta’s journey assisting Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. If someone like Luis Enrique, Thomas Tuchel, or Carlo Ancelotti were to arrive, and Michael spent a few years learning from them before advancing, that scenario strikes me as appropriate.”
Neville asserted, “I genuinely believe that becoming Manchester United’s manager after only four months in charge and a couple of years at Middlesbrough would likely doom Michael to disappointment.”
He voiced his worry: “My apprehension is that we’ll witness another one of our former players endure a significant setback within the next year and a half. The cycle will repeat; we’ve witnessed this outcome previously.”
Neville concluded, “Manchester United ought to secure the most accomplished and internationally renowned manager available this summer, and formalize that appointment immediately.”
