Rooney: Joining Carrick at Man Utd 'a no-brainer'

Wayne Rooney would be delighted to join Michael Carrick's coaching staff should his former team-mate be appointed by Manchester United.

Carrick is now the frontrunner to be named as United's caretaker boss, ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

United are reportedly close to confirming their decision, a week after dismissing Ruben Amorim.

Rooney played alongside Carrick at United for 11 years, and the club's record goalscorer would be open to linking up with his old team-mate if the opportunity should arise.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney said: "Whether Michael goes in or if that's Fletch [Darren Fletcher] or John O'Shea or myself, it needs people who know the football club.

"Roy Keane - I know Roy has had his opinions, I said about Roy going in earlier in the season. Having people who know the club, who care for the club and understand what it takes to be a Manchester United player - that's where the club needs to be.

"The club has lost its identity, it's lost that family feel, if you like. Whether it's Ole or Michael, this is an opportunity to bring that back, bring the spirit of Manchester United back to the football club.

"Of course I would [join the staff]. It's a no-brainer.

"I'm not begging a job here by the way. Just so everyone knows, if I was asked to go in, of course I would. Appointing the manager is the most important thing."

Rooney has endured a difficult start to his coaching career, having already had four jobs, at Derby County, D.C. United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle.

Carrick, meanwhile, previously took charge of United on a temporary basis in 2021.

The former England midfielder had a near three-year stint at Middlesbrough, leaving at the end of last season.

Carrick oversaw 136 games at Boro, winning 63 games (46.3%).

"Michael is a very clever person and has done a very good job at Middlesbrough," Rooney added.

"I think it would be a really good fit [at United]. You are not seeing any top managers available at this moment in time who through history have been successful and won trophies.

"Michael loves the football club and would step in to do a job if he can. It's an opportunity to go and show what he can do over the next few months and make the owners look at him and say we don't need to go elsewhere."

Rooney also feels that, down the line, United could turn to England manager Thomas Tuchel, who will be out of contract with the Three Lions after the World Cup this summer.

"Whoever goes in now has an opportunity to go and show what they are worth. If not, Thomas Tuchel is the outstanding candidate."