“Why on earth would you?”: Dumbfounded Michael Owen strongly rubbishes absurd Carrick claim

Former Manchester United forward Michael Owen has slammed a claim about Michael Carrick’s prospects for the permanent head coach position. Carrick in dreamland Carrick has enjoyed a dream start to life as United’s caretaker boss, having overseen three wins from his first three games in charge. The United legend has secured victories over Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham. United currently sit in fourth place in the Premier League table and are firmly in contention to finish within the guaranteed Champions League places. But beyond the results, performances have also dramatically improved. Wayne Rooney has previously hailed Carrick for restoring a semblance of United’s DNA. In a short span of time, Carrick has instilled a proactive, attacking style of play that has reignited the fans’ hopes. Yet, despite all the positives, some are adamant that Carrick must not be given the permanent job under any conditions. Roy Keane is on record saying this, while Gary Neville has also warned that there is a risk of United repeating the same mistake they made with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a few years ago. However, Owen has dismissed those claims, insisting Carrick’s name should be in the conversation if he continues to deliver. Owen backs Carrick The former United and Liverpool man said [as quoted by the Manchester Evening News], “I really do. I mean, I’ve heard to some people say ‘it’d be a mistake to, even if he wins every game between now and the end of the season, it’d be a mistake to give him it,’ I mean what?” “I mean, have they not seen what’s happened for the last, whatever it is, 10, 11, 12 years? Hasn’t nobody seen that? Then they compare it to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who had a good start but then sort of faded slightly.” “This is a totally different person. If Manchester United are absolutely flying and winning all their games, why on earth, why on earth would you? You’ve got somebody that’s there, willing, ready, able, he’s done all the things that everybody has been asking, the team are playing with a smile on their face, they’re playing brilliantly well, he is an absolute gentleman of a guy, great guy.” Owen continued, “Listen, I’m not saying go and give it in tomorrow, because obviously it’s only three games, but if Manchester United qualify for the Champions League, and to do that they’ll have to play really well between now and the end of the season.” “I just don’t get why you just wouldn’t say, ‘with the rubbish, we’ve been off for the last decade, let’s continue with a little bit of this please. Champions League football, and we’re progressing and the team’s looking better and better.” “‘Let’s keep this going.’ Why would you throw all that away and go and find the next young Portuguese great guy that you’ve done two minutes ago and what are you wanting here?” “So no, I think if he continues to do well, I would absolutely be giving him a job from the end of the season. Obviously that’s a big if, we’ll see what happens in the meantime.” Carrick and his players return to action on Saturday when they host Tottenham Hotspur in the early kick-off. Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!