"'I can't believe": Michael Owen fancies 44yo to become permanent Man Utd manager
Former Manchester United star Michael Owen has backed Michael Carrick to secure the permanent managerial role at the Red Devils after the club’s impressive progress in the Premier League.
United were outside of the Champions League places under former manager Ruben Amorim, but there was a mixed reaction from the fans when the hierarchy decided to part ways with the Portuguese.
Carrick was handed the interim position soon after. The 44-year-old has transformed the club’s fortunes with six wins, one draw and just one defeat in the previous eight league matches.
The sublime upturn in league form has seen the club jump into the Champions League spots. The Red Devils are third in the table, ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference at the moment.
The club also have a three-point cushion over Chelsea and Liverpool. With no other competition to worry about, United seem best placed to secure a top-five finish to qualify for Europe’s elite competition.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney show, Owen backed Carrick for the permanent manager role at United and said that he can’t believe people are questioning whether he should get the job.
He said: “I can’t believe people are questioning whether he should get the job. Manchester United have waited about 12 years – they’ve gone for proven, legends, everything since Sir Alex [Ferguson].
“And the one time they are starting to play well, get results, the fans are on board – you’re telling me at the end of the season if he gets third [place] they will say ‘thanks, but no thanks’. How is that possible?”
Carrick well placed to secure permanent Man Utd job
Carrick was an outsider for the permanent Man Utd position when he took charge in January, but he has certainly proved his credentials with statement victories over Manchester City and Arsenal.
Those wins obviously boosted the form and confidence within the squad. The Red Devils have nine more games in the season, and it won’t be straightforward with some tough fixtures coming up.
United will be hosting Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday. They also have to face Liverpool, Chelsea, Bournemouth and Brentford, who could all prove difficult opposition on their day.
As things stand, a top-five league finish would be enough to qualify for the Champions League.
United’s spot in the competition is not crystal clear at the moment, considering only three points separate them from Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool. The Champions League pursuit could go down to the wire.
If the Red Devils were to secure that objective, Carrick would no doubt be the favourite for the permanent job. It would be a huge surprise if the club’s hierarchy pursue an alternative in such a scenario.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .