Michael Carrick declares his ambition to become Manchester United’s permanent head coach and dismisses criticism from Roy Keane at Old Trafford

Michael Carrick isn’t just enjoying his time in charge at Manchester United—he’s making it clear he wants the job permanently.

The former Red Devils midfielder has spoken candidly about his ambition to land what he describes as the “ultimate role,” brushing off criticism from pundits, including former teammate Roy Keane.

At 44, Carrick has quickly made his mark after stepping in following Ruben Amorim’s departure.

In his first five Premier League matches, he has led United to four wins and one draw, injecting optimism back into Old Trafford and putting the club firmly back in the conversation for next season’s Champions League.

Early Impact and Impressive Form

Carrick was initially appointed on a temporary basis, set to manage United until the end of the season.

However, his strong start has shifted perceptions.

Many now see him as the frontrunner to be confirmed as permanent head coach, potentially starting next season with the club.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Carrick didn’t hold back about his intentions: “For me, it’s the ultimate role.

I’m really enjoying it, I love what I’m doing. I’m fortunate. I feel privileged to be in the position I am.”

He stressed that his focus isn’t just about nostalgia or his history with United, but about delivering results: “There’s the sentimental side of that… being here and loving the club.

But actually, I’m here to do a job now and to make a good team and be successful.”

Handling Criticism From Roy Keane

Carrick’s rise hasn’t been free from scrutiny.

Roy Keane has publicly criticized the club’s recent decisions, questioning Carrick’s backroom setup, including Jonny Evans’ role.

Keane described United’s staffing choices as a “circus act” and expressed skepticism about the team’s direction under Carrick.

Despite the sharp remarks—Keane even called Carrick’s wife Lisa Roughead a “big mouth” for defending her husband’s performances—Carrick has remained unfazed.

“It doesn’t bother me one bit. Genuinely, it doesn’t,” he said, emphasizing that respect and focus on the team come first.

Carrick also highlighted the importance of looking after younger players, noting how the football world has changed since his own playing days and how supporting the next generation is part of his long-term vision.

Building a Long-Term Vision at Old Trafford

While Carrick’s initial stint was temporary, he is clearly thinking beyond the short-term.

“I always plan for the long-term future for the benefit of the football club,” he explained.

His approach combines a respect for United’s history with a commitment to building a team capable of competing at the highest level.

United fans will be watching closely as Carrick continues to navigate the pressures of the Premier League and rebuild confidence in a squad that has experienced ups and downs in recent seasons.

What’s Next?

The next few months will be crucial for Carrick.

His performance in the remainder of the season will likely determine whether he is offered the permanent role.

Key factors include maintaining consistency in league results, progressing in domestic cup competitions, and securing a Champions League spot.

The club’s management will also weigh fan sentiment, media scrutiny, and the performance of his coaching staff before making a long-term decision.

Meanwhile, Carrick will continue to focus on team cohesion, player development, and ensuring United can compete at the top level.

Summary

Michael Carrick has made a compelling case for himself as Manchester United’s permanent head coach.

Undeterred by criticism from figures like Roy Keane, Carrick has led the team to four wins and a draw in his first five games, highlighting his ability to manage both pressure and expectation.

With a focus on long-term success, player development, and maintaining United’s competitive edge, Carrick is positioning himself as a serious contender for what he calls the “ultimate role” at Old Trafford.