Rio Ferdinand has rubbished the idea that Michael Carrick is unable to make a case for taking the Manchester United manager job permanently, after the interim head coach won his second game in charge against league leaders Arsenal.
The former Man United captain chased his spirits-raising opening win against crosstown rivals Man City at Old Trafford this week with a barnstorming performance at the Emirates, which saw the visitors swipe the tie 3-2 late on.
But as delirious fans called for Carrick to be installed permanently to replace former manager Ruben Amorim, Roy Keane was among those who suggested that a bigger name than the former Middlesborough boss is needed beyond the end of the season.
Carrick’s former team-mate Ferdinand however was not among them, with the former Red Devils defender incredulous that Carrick would be so quickly ruled out.
‘People are telling me, that no matter what Michael Carrick does, he shouldn’t get an opportunity to manage Man United,’ Ferdinand said on his Rio Reacts podcast. ‘Two weeks ago, it was a sorry state of affairs, we were the butt of every joke, it was a debacle, what we were looking at.
‘Michael Carrick has come in, turned the collars up on his long trench coat and said, “Listen guys, get behind me.
Michael Carrick has started off his Man United stint in unimpeachable form this January
His former team-mate Rio Ferdinand (pictured in 2013) was unwilling to rule out his permanent appointment at Old Trafford
‘”We’re going to put you in a structure that’s going to suit the players we actually have, we’re going to be hard to play against, we’re going to work hard, and we’re going to be a threat.
‘”And by the way, my first two games are Man City and Arsenal.” And he’s gone and got six points!
‘And people are telling me that no matter what Michael Carrick does, he shouldn’t get an opportunity to manage Man United.
‘Where the f-,’ Ferdinand said, before stopping himself. ‘Where do people get this?
‘The disrespect is unbelievable. For someone to say, “no matter what this person does, he doesn’t deserve to be given the keys to be given the keys to Man United.”
‘On what grounds are you saying that? That’s mad talk.’
A boost of six points under Carrick has raised Man United to fourth in the standings, one point clear of Chelsea, after Liverpool stuttered against Bournemouth on Saturday evening.
But Keane was focussed at full-time on stressing that to make the top four consistently, Man United should make an appointment with a stronger pedigree.
‘You’re being silly now,’ Keane said on Sky Sports, prompted by Micah Richards suggesting Carrick is the best bet to be the long-term successor to Amorim.
Man United completed an impressive late win at the Emirates after Matheus Cunha’s winner
But Roy Keane was unconvinced and has called for a bigger name to be handed the reins
‘Two great performances but anyone can win two games.
‘Even if they do get into fourth, I still wouldn’t be convinced he’s the man for the job. Absolutely not.
‘They need a bigger and better manager. But he has got the opportunity and what a chance for him, and you know what, he’s taking it.’
Keane had made no secret of his disdain at the appointment of Carrick until the end of the season, questioning both the choice of coach as well as his backroom staff.
‘(I’m) concerned, concerned with the appointment and the staff that have come in, the manager.’ Keane said ahead of the win over Man City. ‘But I think I would be like that with most people at this stage of the season.
‘Looking at the group of players they have, it’s going to be a big ask. You look at Michael Carrick, whatever his remit was at Middlesbrough it was probably to get promoted, he didn’t do that. He failed there, but it doesn’t mean to say he’s a bad manager. It was a difficult job.’
Carrick has downplayed any ambitions he might have to securing his current role long-term, but in the wake of their win against Arsenal, his players were keen to talk up his immediate impact.
‘Michael (Carrick) has come in, and he’s been brilliant with us,’ Harry Maguire said after the final whistle. ‘He’s brought fresh energy, and the group has really galvanised.
‘Obviously, two tough games, everyone probably thought we would come away from them with not many points, but we won both of them.’
