Michael Carrick said he is not paying attention to outside voices, including those of former teammates, as calls grow for him to be considered for the Manchester United manager’s job on a permanent basis. The discussion intensified after United’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, a result that has further highlighted the team’s improvement during his time in charge.
Carrick, a former United midfielder and captain who moved into coaching following his retirement, has been serving in a coaching role at the club and has recently taken on increased responsibility with the first team. His work on the training ground and the team’s recent performances have drawn praise from supporters and pundits, as well as from figures associated with United’s successful past.
Among those backing Carrick is Wayne Rooney, his long-time teammate during one of the club’s most successful eras. Rooney has publicly expressed the view that Carrick has the temperament, understanding of the club, and footballing intelligence to succeed in a long-term managerial position at Old Trafford. Rooney’s comments have added weight to the growing sentiment among some fans that Carrick should be given serious consideration if the club makes a decision on a permanent appointment.
Carrick, however, played down the influence of such endorsements. He made clear that he is focused on his day-to-day responsibilities and on preparing the team for upcoming fixtures, rather than being distracted by speculation about his future. Emphasising a professional approach, Carrick indicated that outside praise, even from a respected former teammate, would not change how he operates or how he views his current role.
The win over Aston Villa has strengthened the sense that United are moving in a positive direction under his guidance. The team showed attacking fluency, organisation, and resilience, factors that supporters and analysts have pointed to as signs of a coherent approach. Despite that, Carrick reiterated that results and performances, rather than personal ambitions or public debate, are his priority.
Within the club, the long-term managerial situation remains a topic of interest, but there has been no official indication of a decision regarding Carrick’s status beyond his current responsibilities. For now, he continues to concentrate on maintaining momentum, improving performances, and keeping the squad focused on the challenges ahead, while keeping discussion of his future firmly in the background.
