Few people expected Manchester United’s season to take such a sharp twist in such a short space of time.
With Michael Carrick stepping in on an interim basis, the mood around Old Trafford has lifted, results have improved, and belief has quietly returned.
But while fans are beginning to dream again, not everyone is buying into the long-term hype — especially club legend Roy Keane.
Two Big Wins, But Not Enough to Convince Keane
Just under two weeks into Carrick’s temporary reign, United have pulled off eye-catching victories against title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal.
On paper, it’s an impressive start.
In reality, Keane isn’t prepared to read too much into it.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane dismissed the idea that Carrick should be handed the job permanently, even if he somehow drags United back into the Champions League places.
When Micah Richards floated Carrick as a serious long-term option, Keane shut it down quickly.
According to Keane, two wins — no matter how impressive — don’t suddenly make someone the right man for the future.
For him, United still need a manager with a bigger pedigree and stronger credentials to lead a club of that stature.
“Anyone Can Win Two Games”
Keane was blunt in his assessment.
He acknowledged the quality of the performances but insisted that consistency over time is what truly matters at a club like Manchester United.
Even a top-four finish wouldn’t change his mind.
From Keane’s perspective, Carrick has been handed a golden opportunity — and to his credit, he’s making the most of it.
Still, that doesn’t mean he should automatically be considered the long-term solution.
Long-Standing Concerns About the Appointment
This isn’t the first time Keane has questioned Carrick’s appointment.
Even before the win over City, he had voiced unease about both the interim manager and the coaching staff around him.
Keane pointed to Carrick’s spell at Middlesbrough, where promotion was the target but ultimately not achieved.
While he stopped short of calling Carrick a bad manager, he framed that period as a failure in terms of results — and something that can’t be ignored.
For Keane, Manchester United should represent “the best of the best,” and right now, he doesn’t see that reflected clearly in the current setup.
Still, he admitted that doubts don’t automatically rule out short-term success.
Carrick Stays Focused and Ignores the Noise
Carrick, for his part, appears completely unfazed by the criticism.
He hasn’t engaged publicly with Keane’s comments and seems far more interested in what’s happening on the pitch.
So far, that approach is paying off.
United have looked sharper, more confident, and far more united during his brief spell in charge — something the players themselves are openly acknowledging.
Players Back the Interim Boss
After the dramatic win at Arsenal, Harry Maguire was full of praise for Carrick’s impact on the squad.
The defender highlighted the fresh energy Carrick has brought into the dressing room and how the group has pulled together under his leadership.
Given the difficulty of facing City and Arsenal back-to-back, Maguire admitted most people expected United to come away with very little.
Instead, they won both games — a result that has clearly boosted morale across the squad.
Even Keane Sees the Positives on the Pitch
Despite his doubts about Carrick’s long-term suitability, Keane did acknowledge clear improvements in United’s performances.
Against Arsenal, he noted how freely the team played and how committed they looked to winning the game.
He praised the mentality shown, particularly the impact of a substitute scoring a crucial goal, calling it a sign of a healthy attitude and growing confidence within the group.
With distractions seemingly reduced and the squad fully focused on league form, Keane admitted United are starting to produce the kind of performances fans have been craving.
What Comes Next for United and Carrick?
The momentum is building, confidence is rising, and the conversation around Carrick’s future is only going to get louder.
Whether he’s simply enjoying a purple patch or laying the groundwork for something more permanent remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: every match from here on out will be judged not just on results, but on what it says about Manchester United’s long-term direction.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn