Keane: I want Carrick to get MU job permanently – I think he’s already got it

Sam Allardyce and Roy Keane have weighed in on whether Michael Carrick should be appointed Manchester United’s permanent manager at the end of the season. Allardyce says United must decide with complete rationality and not let emotion cloud their judgment, while Keane believes Carrick has effectively already landed the job.

Sam Allardyce has urged Manchester United to think carefully before handing Michael Carrick the managerial job on a permanent basis. The former United midfielder took charge of the Red Devils earlier this month, replacing the departed Ruben Amorim, initially on an interim deal until the end of the campaign. But after guiding United to three straight Premier League wins, Carrick has attracted widespread acclaim, with many calling for the club to appoint him full-time once the season ends.

Allardyce, however, believes United’s hierarchy must show patience and avoid rushing into a permanent appointment. Speaking on the Footy Accumulators No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, he said: “Everyone wants Carrick to get the job full-time, but is that the right decision? Given the club’s current state, the board is under huge pressure again – is this the right move? They have to be calm, even ruthless, when making this call.”

“You have to make sure the next managerial appointment is based on logic, not emotion. In my opinion, Amorim simply wasn’t cut out for Manchester United. To succeed at United, as a player or a manager, you need that special inner drive. You have to adapt, thrive and not shrink away – otherwise you end up being sold by the club or sacked as manager. Carrick has earned the players’ respect through his man-management, hasn’t he? It’s not his coaching techniques, it’s his leadership,” Allardyce added.

United legend Roy Keane also shared his take on Carrick’s permanent prospects, insisting the job is his to lose if United maintain their current form.

“I want them to give Carrick the job, I want it done in the summer. Even though I don’t think it’s the right decision, I wish him well. I stand by what I’ve said, I’ve made my position clear. I think he’s already got the job. If he gets it permanently in the summer, everyone will just say, ‘Fair play, good luck to him.’ But being an interim manager is completely different to being the permanent boss – the latter means challenging for the league title over the next two, three years or more,” Keane stated.

Keane went on: “I’ve no doubt United could find a better coach than Carrick, but credit where it’s due, he’s doing a great job right now. The timing couldn’t be better for him. Even if he doesn’t land the United job permanently, these results will set him up for his next role, just like it did for Ruud van Nistelrooy back in the day – he’ll almost certainly get another Premier League managerial post.”

“We can’t assume just because he’s doing well at United, he’ll be a success elsewhere. He’s got the players performing, and it’s a real career-defining moment for him. It’s fantastic for him, and he’s taken the chance with both hands.”