2026-03-13 11:49:07

Michael Owen has backed Michael Carrick to become Manchester United manager on a permanent basis.

Carrick has won six out of eight Premier League matches since taking over from Ruben Amorim on an interim basis in January and Owen is puzzled as to why some are “questioning” whether the former Red Devils midfielder is the right man for the job.

Owen told the BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show: “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, legends, everything since Sir Alex [Ferguson].

“And the one time they are starting to play well, get results, the fans are on board – you’re telling me at the end of the season if he gets third [place] they will say ‘Thanks, but no thanks’. How is that possible?”

Rooney is in agreement with Owen and thinks that Carrick would be a popular choice as permanent boss.

United’s all-time record scorer said: “Everyone at Manchester United loves Michael Carrick and they are just scared it doesn’t go right. He’s done an unbelievable job.”

Carrick oversaw United’s impressive 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City in his first game in charge and Rooney claimed at the time that it brought back memories of Ferguson’s trophy-laden stint as manager.

The Match of the Day pundit said: “I wasn’t at the stadium, I was in the BBC studios, but did you see the difference in the stadium? Even when he [Carrick] walked out before the game and he’s trying to pump the crowd up.

“I think the fans felt something. They got a taste of what it was like under Sir Alex Ferguson. Some of the young fans who have been through a terrible time over the last 10, 13 years, really, since Fergie left.

“They haven’t witnessed a team perform that well. I’ve been part of some of those teams as well. I’ve played in some of them.

“They haven’t witnessed a team perform that well, with that energy and that belief in their fighting and being brave with the ball, but also being resilient and tough to play against.”

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