Wayne Rooney has opened the door for a return to Old Trafford, confirming he would join the coaching staff if former teammate Michael Carrick offered him a chance as Manchester United’s interim manager. The club’s record goal scorer described the potential move as a "no-brainer," insisting that the squad desperately needs to rediscover the "family feel" that defined its trophy-laden past.
According to BBC Manchester United have reached agreement in principle to appoint Michael Carrick as interim manager until the end of the season.While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly held face-to-face discussions with the board on Saturday, Carrick, having recently spent over two years managing Middlesbrough, has emerged as the heavy favorite to lead the side following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
Speaking on the latest episode of the BBC’s The Wayne Rooney Show, the 40-year-old was candid about his willingness to assist Carrick. Rooney, who left his role at Plymouth Argyle in December 2024, emphasized that his interest is driven by a desire to help the club rather than personal gain.
"I’m not begging for a job here, by the way," Rooney clarified. "Just so everyone knows, if I was asked to go in, of course I would. Appointing the manager is the most important thing. Michael is a very clever person and has done a very good job at Middlesbrough. I think it would be a really good fit."
The connection between the two is strong; Rooney revealed he was on holiday with Carrick in Barbados just last week. He believes Carrick, who went unbeaten during a three-game caretaker stint in 2021, is the ideal candidate to steady a ship currently sitting seventh in the Premier League.
Rooney’s critique of the current setup was sharp. He argued that the tenures of managers like Amorim; who was sacked after just 14 months, have resulted in a loss of the club’s core values.
"The club has lost its identity; it’s lost that family feel," Rooney remarked. "Whether it’s Ole or Michael, this is an opportunity to bring the spirit of Manchester United back. It needs people who know the football club, who care for the club and understand what it takes to be a Manchester United player."
He also floated the idea of involving other former legends, such as Roy Keane or John O’Shea, to instill a higher work rate in a squad he believes lacks the "hunger and desire" of past generations.
First-team duties are currently being handled by Darren Fletcher, but a dismal 2-1 FA Cup exit to Brighton on Sunday has intensified the search for a seasoned hand. United have won just once in their last seven matches and face a daunting clash against Manchester City this Saturday.
Amorim’s exit on January 5 followed a breakdown in relations with the hierarchy, culminating in a fiery press conference where he suggested the club could not handle the criticism of television pundits. Rooney believes the next appointment must move beyond the "noise" and focus on immediate results to salvage a Champions League berth.
The next 48 hours
Manchester United officials are expected to make a formal announcement within the next 48 hours. If Carrick is appointed, he will likely oversee training on Wednesday. For Rooney, the opportunity to return to the stadium where he spent 13 years is on the table; provided the call comes from his old friend.
"Whoever goes in now has an opportunity to show what they are worth," Rooney added. "Michael lives and breathes that club- that’s what the club needs."
