Rooney: Joining Carrick at Man Utd a No-Brainer After Amorim Sacking

Wayne Rooney has made it clear: rejoining Manchester United as a coach under Michael Carrick would be a “no-brainer.” This comes as the club finalizes Carrick’s interim manager appointment. Rooney emphasizes a strong need for former club figures to bring back United’s lost identity.

Managerial Merry-Go-Round Continues

Manchester United sacked Ruben Amorim last week. His 14-month tenure was another troubled chapter for the 20-time English champions. Amorim’s exit followed a tense press conference on January 3, 2026. He reportedly clashed with the hierarchy, even referencing pundit Gary Neville’s criticism.

Darren Fletcher took over first-team duties after Amorim left. Under Fletcher, United drew at Burnley and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup. This early cup exit means United risks a second successive trophyless season. Pressure is on for Champions League qualification.

The club wants an interim manager now, to buy time for a long-term successor. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer met with chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth Saturday. But Michael Carrick emerged as the clear frontrunner for the interim job.

Carrick’s Old Trafford Comeback

Michael Carrick, a former United midfielder, is set to take over until June 2026. He won five Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League as a player. Carrick arrived at Carrington training ground Tuesday morning, January 13, 2026. An announcement should happen within 48 hours, with training starting Wednesday.

Carrick has experience leading the team. He had an unbeaten three-game interim stint in November 2021 after Solskjaer’s sacking. They beat Villarreal 2-0 in the Champions League, and Arsenal 3-2 in the Premier League. He also managed a 1-1 draw against Chelsea, showing defensive organization. Carrick even benched Cristiano Ronaldo in two of those games to tactical effect, as ESPN reported.

He’s been out of work since leaving Championship side Middlesbrough earlier this year. This makes him immediately available. Former England assistant coach Steve Holland will join his staff. Sources within United say Carrick is a “great fit” who “lives and breathes the club.”

Rooney Pushes for ‘Family Feel’ Restoration

United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney spoke on his BBC podcast, “The Wayne Rooney Show”. He lamented United’s slide. “The club has lost its identity, it’s lost that family feel,” he said. Rooney believes this is a chance to “bring that back, bring the spirit of Manchester United back to the football club.”

Rooney strongly supports Carrick. “Michael is a very clever person and has done a very good job at Middlesbrough,” he stated. He thinks Carrick “would be a really good fit” because he “knows the club, he would be a great fit. He lives and breathes that club — that’s what the club needs.” Carrick would command player respect.

When asked if he’d join Carrick’s staff, Rooney didn’t hesitate. “Of course I would. It’s a no-brainer,” he replied. He clarified he wasn’t “begging a job,” but would accept if asked. Rooney stressed the need for insiders like Carrick, Fletcher, John O’Shea, or himself. He also mentioned he was on holiday with Carrick in Barbados last week. Rooney even floated the idea of Roy Keane getting involved too.

Immediate Challenges and Future Outlook

Carrick’s appointment is imminent. He’s expected to sign a contract soon, with a formal announcement due in the next day or two. The focus will be on stabilizing the squad quickly. A big Premier League match against Manchester City looms on January 17, 2026. Champions League qualification via a top-five Premier League finish is the main goal after the FA Cup exit.

Fletcher’s brief stint, with a draw and a loss, showed defensive issues. This sets a low bar for Carrick to improve things. No official responses from Carrick, Keane, or United officials have come out yet. But Rooney’s comments show a desire for the club’s “family feel” to return. This is against a backdrop of fan frustration. Rooney reiterated his desire on his podcast, saying it would be a ‘no-brainer’ to work with Carrick.

This whole situation highlights United’s continuing instability since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013. Carrick’s interim role gives the club some breathing room. It also opens the door for a potential return for Rooney in a coaching capacity, if asked. He’s clearly keen to help out his old club, as ESPN confirmed.