“Knew this was going to happen”: United legend sends important message to INEOS regarding permanent head coach post

Manchester United returned to winning ways under Michael Carrick with a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday. With the race for the Champions League places heating up, the game against Unai Emery’s team was virtually a six-pointer following the Red Devils’ loss against Newcastle last week. It was the home side who took the lead through Casemiro, but Villa equalised soon after under dubious circumstances. With the away side in the ascendancy, many fans inside the stadium expected the United players’ heads to drop and for their fragile mentality to crack under pressure. Carrick has transformed team’s mentality But things are different under the caretaker head coach, and Bruno Fernandes led from the front as the hosts roared back in stunning fashion. An inch-perfect through ball, played in behind Villa’s high line, led to Matheus Cunha scoring before super sub Benjamin Sesko sealed the deal. Nine games into the Carrick era, the 20-time English league champions have picked up seven wins, including famous victories over arch rivals Manchester City, Arsenal, and now Villa. When Ruben Amorim was sacked, United were languishing in sixth place, 11 points behind Villa. Look at where they are now under Carrick. Wayne Rooney knew Carrick would work his magic After the game, United’s top goalscorer Wayne Rooney was asked whether INEOS should place their faith in his former teammate. Rooney was effusive in his praise for the legendary midfielder, and also detailed the small changes that Carrick had put into effect which have worked wonders within the dressing room. “100% he should [get the job]. I have said this and I knew this was going to happen with Michael Carrick,” the former striker told BBC. “I know him very well and I know his character, his personality. It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place and the players needed some love, and he has given them that. “We have seen the players play with more quality, more together as a team, and they look like a very strong team. For me, why would you change? Wayne Rooney wants Carrick to stay on “He has got the best winning percentage of any Manchester United manager after that many games. For me, he has to get the job.” As for Champions League football, the United legend claimed his former club are now in a great position to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition. “This was a massive win. Getting back into the Champions League, they’re in a strong position to get that and that helps financially for Manchester United moving forward. “Beating Villa and with Chelsea also losing yesterday, it puts them in a really good place.” INEOS have kept alternative options ready, and it will be interesting to see if they are in agreement with Wayne Rooney at the end of the season, especially if the club does end up finishing third. Feature image Richard Heathcote 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 Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25