Manchester United former striker Wayne Rooney is open to joining Michael Carrick at the club. Rooney also floated the idea of Roy Keane playing a role in the coaching team.
According to ESPN, United are closing in on the appointment of Carrick as their interim manager until the end of the season following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
The club had spoken to candidates, including former coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick, to take up the interim role until the summer. However, the final call is yet to be taken by the management.
“Whether Michael goes in or if that’s Fletch [Darren Fletcher] or John O’Shea or myself, it needs people who know the football club,” Rooney said on his podcast, “The Wayne Rooney Show.”
“Roy Keane — I know Roy has had his opinions, I said about Roy going in earlier in the season. Having people who know the club, who care for the club and understand what it takes to be a Manchester United player — that’s where the club needs to be.
“The club has lost its identity, it’s lost that family feel, if you like. Whether it’s Ole [Ole Gunnar Solskjaer] or Michael, this is an opportunity to bring that back, bring the spirit of Manchester United back to the football club.
When asked if he is interested to join Carrick’s coaching staff, Rooney, who also revealed that he was on holiday with Carrick in Barbados last week, said: “Of course I would. It’s a no-brainer.
“I’m not begging a job here by the way. Just so everyone knows, if I was asked to go in of course I would. Appointing the manager is the most important thing.”
Rooney showered praise on Michael Carrick, stating that he is a very clever person and backed the former Manchester United midfielder to find success at the club.
“Michael is a very clever person and has done a very good job at Middlesbrough,” Rooney said.
“I think it would be a really good fit. You are not seeing any top managers available at this moment in time who through history have been successful and won trophies.
“Do you go back to Ole or Michael? It looks like one of those two. Michael Carrick knows the club, he would be a great fit. He lives and breathes that club — that’s what the club needs.
Manchester United will face derby rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday.
