“No matter what Michael Carrick does”: Ferdinand fires back against United legend’s criticism of caretaker coach

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has hit back at the recent criticism of Michael Carrick from former teammate Roy Keane. The former English midfielder arrived at Old Trafford last month to take over the reins of the first-team squad following the dismissal of former head coach Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils had been inconsistent under the Portuguese, but turned over a new leaf after Carrick took charge. The Englishman has since masterminded four wins in his four games in charge, helping his team sit fourth in the Premier League table after 25 games. There have already been claims of handing Carrick the full-time job, with former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp urging United to make his stay permanent. However, there have also been others, like Sam Allardyce, who have advised caution regarding the matter. Michael Carrick Managerial Career Stats TeamFromToGames PlayedGames WonGames DrawnGames LostWin % Manchester United (caretaker)21 November 20212 December 2021321066.67 Middlesbrough24 October 20224 June 202513663244946.32 Manchester United13 January 2026Present4400100.00 Career total——14369254948.25 Source: Wikipedia. Former Red Devils skipper Roy Keane was initially quite critical of Carrick, but although he has softened his stance of late, he has still suggested that the English manager should not be considered for the permanent job. Ferdinand has now responded to Keane’s criticism of Carrick. Risk does not justify Carrick criticism Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, as cited by The Daily Mail, Ferdinand insisted that the United job is full of risks, but that does not justify ruling Carrick out of the permanent manager race. He said: “There’s risks with anyone that goes in there.” “No matter what Michael Carrick does, how well he does, and if he got the job on the back of a great ending to the season, there’s still risk. There’s an element of risk, but with every one of the names that get thrown into the hat, there an element of risk with all of them.” “I don’t know in any walk of life, where someone comes in given the opportunity to do well, and put their first foot forward for a job opportunity, they smash it – and hopefully he carries on, at the moment he’s smashing it, four wins out of four, and people are going ‘no, he shouldn’t get it though’.” “I don’t understand that with Roy, I’ve got to be honest. I don’t know how you can be so against it.” What has Roy Keane said about Carrick? Speaking on The Overlap podcast last month, Keane initially tracked back on his previous comments, wishing Carrick well and even saying that he hoped the Englishman would get the job. When reminded of his earlier stance by Gary Neville, Keane was quick to point out that United could get a better manager than Carrick this summer. He said: “I think you can get a better manager than Carrick, absolutely.” “But I think he’s doing a good job, perfect timing for him, and even if he doesn’t get the United job, these results a bit like Ruud (Van Nistelrooy), he can get another job, probably another Premiership manager. But just cause you’re doing well at United, it doesn’t mean he’ll do well at another club.” A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests that Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Fulham could pounce on the English manager if he becomes available this summer. Final Thoughts United’s search for their next permanent manager is turning out to be an intriguing affair, with the team’s 100% run under Carrick making him an enticing prospect for the role. However, it is also true that INEOS must be patient regarding the matter, especially since their decision could impact the Red Devils’ progress in the coming years. 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 Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.