Michael Owen has urged Manchester United to appoint interim manager Michael Carrick on a permanent basis, telling GOAL that the club should avoid pursuing high-profile names like Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, and Mauricio Pochettino. The Red Devils are searching for a new manager following their decision to part ways with Ruben Amorim earlier in 2026.
Amorim’s dismissal from Old Trafford came after he failed to improve the Premier League team’s fortunes, with his rigid adherence to a 3-4-2-1 formation ultimately costing him his job.
Darren Fletcher, promoted from the U18 squad, briefly took over as caretaker manager before Carrick, the former United midfielder and assistant coach, was appointed. Carrick has since overseen four consecutive victories, propelling the Red Devils into Champions League qualification contention.
Questions have been asked, by the likes of Roy Keane, of whether Carrick should be handed a full-time contract regardless of how United finish the season. Many are of the opinion that a more experienced head should be sought – such as those currently calling the shots with England, Brazil and the USMNT ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Former United striker Owen – speaking in association with casino.org , where he is now the UK ambassador for the online casino comparison site – told GOAL when asked what the Red Devils should do when filling their dugout: “I think Manchester United will do the right thing and not just kneejerk in saying ‘give Michael Carrick the job tomorrow’. But, if he qualifies Manchester United for the Champions League and we see the continuation of these performances – obviously it is going to come to an end at some point – the most impressive thing is the way that they are playing. They are playing well. That Manchester City game, I have never seen Manchester United play like that for more than a decade in a one-off game.
That has continued. They have played very well since. You can see the confidence. I know a lot of people have said you can’t give Michael Carrick the job regardless. I cannot disagree more.
“Manchester United, over the last decade or so, have tried absolutely everything. They have gone for born winners, for proven, for ex-players, the next new thing from different countries, the old head. They have gone for everything. The one manager that could – we are guessing, on the assumption that he continues – all of a sudden it looks like he is getting a tune out of the players, the crowd are buzzing, the confidence is flowing, it looks like there is a stability, he gets the club, he has got the right demeanour, he is a proper guy that has done it the tough way. Imagine if he qualified for the Champions League and did so well and they said ‘thanks for the job Michael, now we are going to employ someone else’ and Manchester United go back to what has happened for the last 10-12 years. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot! It’s under your nose.”
“Michael is a perfect option, and while he won’t thank me for saying it, he’s going to be a cost-effective one.” Owen, said.
Given Manchester United’s current financial situation, here’s a guy who lives locally, understands the club, has family in the area, and would have no problem settling in, no language barrier, no issues whatsoever. He’s readily available and you could probably get him for a fraction of the price of another manager. Plus, you wouldn’t need to buy him out of an existing contract.
“Furthermore, many of the managers being discussed are currently at the World Cup. If you were to hire one of them, they wouldn’t be able to start until a week or two after the tournament concludes.
“This is a significant role that requires extensive planning. Michael is already in place and can begin these conversations in the coming weeks and months. I strongly disagree with those who say he shouldn’t be considered, regardless. I simply don’t understand that perspective.”
Carrick will be aiming for his fifth consecutive win when the Red Devils travel to face relegation-threatened West Ham on Tuesday, a result that would finally allow viral fan The United Strand to get his long-awaited haircut. A decision regarding the long-term managerial plans is expected at the end of the 2025-26 season.
