Michael Carrick has had early success in his interim role at Manchester United, leading to some calls for him to get the job on a more permanent basis.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has hinted that he expects United to think about hiring Michael Carrick on a permanent basis should he continue his short-term success with the club.
In his first two games since taking interim charge until the end of the season, Carrick has led the club to wins over both Manchester City and Arsenal. The results have moved them up to fourth place in the Premier League table and led to talk over a potential permanent appointment.
United legend Gary Neville has, however, questioned if the former midfielder has what it takes to lead the side long-term. Speaking on the Stick to Football Podcast, he said:
“Michael’s not got the job because of his managerial record at Middlesbrough, he’s got the job because of his knowledge of United and that Ruud (Van Nistelrooy) and Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer) had already been in before a little bit more than him maybe, and there was a feeling of ‘let’s have something fresh’.
“So Michael’s got the job because basically of being in the right place at the right time, that is not the criteria of being a Manchester United manager.”
Keane then hinted at what he think may happen based on past events. “How many times have we seen managers going in, and doing a job for a good month or two, then they get the job and they’re gone a few months later?” He asked.
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“It’s bizarre, it’s just the nature of football. A new voice can lift players for a few months, but if you’re on about he’s going to be the manager for the next two, three four years, looking after all the scouting stuff, representing the club and competing with Pep and all these managers.”
In jest, Neville then turned to fellow pundit and Arsenal legend Ian Wright and said: “The right path for Michael, might just be at the end of the season when Arsenal don’t win the league and he goes there.”
As the talking over Carrick continued, former Lioness Jill Scott urged United fans to continue to enjoy the current form and not look too far ahead. “Now, if you’re a United fan, just enjoy one game a week and you’re winning,” she said.
“Don’t even think about the manager.”
United will look to make it three wins ot of three under Carrick when they host Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon (2pm kick-off). The following week they host Tottenham on Saturday’s early kick-off.