Roy Keane: It's silly to suggest Michael Carrick should be given Man Utd job

Robin Bairner

• 26 Jan 2026 07:30 CST
• 4 min read

Nieuws

Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick has got off to a dream start in his new role, securing back-to-back victories over Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League.

The Red Devils went to the home of the league-leading Gunners on Sunday and secured a 3-2 success thanks to a last-gasp goal from Matheus Cunha in a thrilling encounter.

Carrick has propelled the Old Trafford side to fourth in the standings, and with 15 matches of the campaign remaining, hopes are high that the club will be able to close out a Champions League spot.

‘Absolutely not’ – Keane does not want Carrick as Man Utd boss

Former Man Utd star Roy Keane says it is a “silly” idea to suggest that Carrick should get the job permanently.

“Two great performances but anyone can win two games,” the Sky Sports pundit said.

“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 has got the opportunity and what a chance for him, and you know what, he's taking it.”

David Ornstein: Carrick a contender for permanent role

Transfer insider David Ornstein previously revealed that Carrick stands a strong chance of keeping the job on a permanent basis if he performs strongly before the end of the season.

“Carrick will naturally enter the conversation depending on how well he does. But I don’t think this is binary, as it was with Ole Gunner Solskjaer. United should run their process properly: speak to available coaches, assess those in work where permitted, look at data, styles and profiles,” Ornstein told The Transfers Podcast.

“Last time, it came down to Thomas Tuchel and Erik ten Hag. Others like Frank and Pochettino were considered. There are weeks and months now to do that work. Carrick could play himself into contention, or he might decide it’s not the right moment.

“There’s nothing firm right now. It’s hypothetical. But given his qualities, what he showed in his brief United spell before, and his work at Middlesbrough, there’s no reason he shouldn’t at least be in the conversation – much like Kieran McKenna was previously.

“Carrick could be in the mix, but that doesn’t mean he’ll get the job. It’s very much a case of wait and see how it unfolds.”

Ornstein also indicated that Man Utd want a permanent manager with a connection to the club, giving Carrick a critical advantage to take the post on a full-time basis.

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