Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has publicly volunteered his services to join the club's coaching staff, as his former teammate Michael Carrick closes in on becoming the club's interim manager.
Carrick Poised for Interim Role After Amorim Exit
Michael Carrick is expected to be confirmed as Manchester United's caretaker manager for the rest of the season, following discussions with the club's hierarchy last week. The move comes after Ruben Amorim's departure, with Sky Sports News reporting a 'verbal agreement' is now in place.
The 44-year-old former midfielder, who has been out of work since leaving Middlesbrough in June 2025, emerged as the leading candidate ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The club's plan is to appoint a temporary manager before securing a permanent replacement for Amorim in the summer.
Rooney's Public Offer of Support
Speaking on his BBC podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England captain did not hesitate when asked about the possibility of linking up with Carrick at Old Trafford. "Of course I would. It's a no-brainer," Rooney stated. He was quick to clarify: "I'm not begging a job here by the way. Just so everyone knows, if I was asked to go in of course I would."
Rooney emphasised the importance of the appointment, saying, "Appointing the manager is the most important thing." He threw his full support behind Carrick, describing him as a "great fit" for the role and stressing the need for people who understand the club's culture.
"Whether Michael goes in or if that's Fletch [Darren Fletcher] or John O'Shea or myself, it needs people who know the football club," Rooney explained. He believes the club has lost its identity and that this is an opportunity to restore the "spirit of Manchester United."
Player Influence and Solskjaer's Snub
The decision to favour Carrick over Solskjaer appears to have been influenced significantly by the current United squad. Reports indicate that multiple players contacted the club's leadership to voice concerns about a potential return for Solskjaer. Insiders suggest the team openly expressed a lack of confidence in the Norwegian, instead rallying behind Carrick.
Solskjaer, who managed United between 2018 and 2021, had been strongly linked with the interim role and underwent two interview stages. However, the player intervention ultimately prevented his comeback.
Rooney's Managerial Record and Immediate Future
Rooney's offer comes after a challenging spell in management. His record includes:
- A difficult period at Derby County, where he initially kept them in the Championship but could not prevent eventual relegation to League One.
- A mixed tenure at MLS side DC United.
- A brief and unsuccessful 15-game stint at Birmingham City, where he secured only two wins.
- Relegation seasons with both Birmingham City and his subsequent club, Plymouth Argyle.
Carrick, who has a minor connection to Birmingham City from a loan spell in 2000, is set to take charge imminently. His first match in the dugout will be this weekend's high-profile Manchester derby against rivals City. He takes over from Darren Fletcher, who oversaw a 2-2 draw with Burnley and an FA Cup defeat to Brighton.
