Roy Keane has thrown his support behind Michael Carrick retaining the Manchester United job beyond this season, admitting he hopes the former midfielder is handed the role permanently if results continue to go in the right direction.
Speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast, via the show’s official X handle, Keane was part of a wide-ranging debate alongside Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Ian Wright, as the panel discussed Carrick’s future following his impressive start as caretaker manager.
Carrick has enjoyed a flying beginning to life in the dugout at Old Trafford, beating Manchester City 2–0 in his first game in charge before heading to the Emirates Stadium and snatching all three points against Arsenal late on. The performances and results have sparked early optimism among supporters, with many believing Carrick may have stumbled onto something special with the Reds.
While acknowledging the difference between interim success and the long-term demands of managing Manchester United, Keane made his position clear.
According to the Overlap podcast, Keane said:
I hope they give it to Michael Carrick in the summer.
I hope they give it to him. I hope they give it to him in the summer.
As a caretaker manager, it’s a different animal to being manager of United trying to win league titles over the next two, three, four, five years. Yeah, but I’m sticking to my guns.
I’ve said my piece. I think that he’s got the job, and if he gets it in the summer then you go, ‘listen, good luck to him.’
Watch the full conversation below:
Keane’s comments signal a noticeable softening in his stance, having previously insisted United should always aim for a “bigger and better” appointment regardless of short-term form. This time, however, the Irishman appeared genuinely encouraged by Carrick’s calm authority and early impact.
Softfootball understands that Carrick’s backing is not limited to Keane alone, with other United legends — including Rio Ferdinand also prepared to support the former midfielder for the permanent role if he continues to deliver at a high level during his caretaker spell.
With momentum building and belief slowly returning around Old Trafford, Carrick’s interim reign is fast turning into one of the most intriguing storylines of United’s season and perhaps, the beginning of something more permanent.
