Summary:
- Roy Keane believes Manchester United look confident again after victories against Arsenal and City.
- Keane does not see Michael Carrick as a long-term answer and thinks the club needs a proven manager capable of winning league titles.
- Gary Neville agrees Carrick should see out the season before handing over to a manager like Tuchel or Ancelotti.
Manchester United may be winning again after sacking their head coach, but not everyone is convinced that the man currently in charge should be trusted with the long-term rebuild.
Roy Keane said United showed signs of their old confidence after Sunday’s dramatic 3-2 win over Arsenal but he was clear that Michael Carrick should not be considered the permanent solution at Old Trafford.
The victory at the Emirates, sealed by a late Matheus Cunha goal, followed an equally eye-catching win over Manchester City, giving Carrick two statement results to start his short spell as head coach.
For Keane, though, context matters. Speaking on Sky Sports, he praised the performances while dismissing the idea that Carrick has done enough to earn the job beyond this season.
Two great performances but anyone can win two games. If United win every game until the end of the season, I still wouldn’t be giving him the job. I still wouldn’t be convinced he’s the man for the job. Absolutely not.
Keane argued that United need someone proven at the very highest level, especially given the scale of the challenges ahead.
They need a bigger and better manager. The size of the club and the challenges they face over the next few years, you want a manager who you feel can get them winning league titles. Are we going to sit here and believe Michael Carrick can get United winning league titles? It’s not enough for me. I don’t believe he is the man to get them winning league titles.
Neville: “Manchester United Have Acted Emotionally Before”
That criticism did not stop Keane from acknowledging what he saw on the pitch against Arsenal. He felt United played with freedom and belief that has been missing in recent seasons.
Considering where they are and where they have been, they had a bit of swagger and calmness to their play. Two brilliant strikes and players off the bench had a big influence. You see the United fans in the corner, it’s a bit like the old days.
Gary Neville largely agreed with the bigger picture. He said he has enjoyed watching United again but believes Carrick should be a short-term caretaker before handing over to an elite manager.
Manchester United have acted emotionally a number of times in the last 12 years. I think it’s right that Carrick keeps the job until the end of the season and then hands the baton over to a Tuchel or an Ancelotti, someone of that world-class ilk.
Carrick himself is not getting carried away. After the Arsenal win, he stressed how early the process still is.
It’s only been 10 days, so it was never going to be perfect
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