Wayne Rooney says joining Michael Carrick’s Manchester United coaching staff would be an obvious choice if Carrick becomes caretaker manager, with Rooney stressing that the club must appoint someone who understands Old Trafford and can help restore what Rooney sees as a lost identity and family spirit.
Rooney explained that the decision on the next manager will shape Manchester United’s direction, yet made clear that any role on Carrick’s staff would appeal. Rooney stated: "Of course I would [join the staff]. 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. "
Carrick is currently viewed as the leading contender to take
over as Manchester United’s interim boss, moving ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the race, with the club reported to be close to confirming that decision, around a week after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal ended the previous regime.
Rooney and Carrick shared the pitch at Manchester United across 11 seasons, building a long-term understanding in midfield and attack, and Rooney believes that connection could now extend into the dugout, with the former striker open to working under Carrick if Manchester United’s hierarchy turn to the ex-England midfielder again.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney argued that Manchester United must rely on people steeped in the club’s culture. Rooney said: "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. 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. "
Rooney continued that Manchester United have drifted away from values that once defined them. Rooney said: "The club has lost its identity, it's lost that family feel, if you like. Whether it's Oleor Michael, this is an opportunity to bring that back, bring the spirit of Manchester United back to the football club. "
Darren Fletcher is already in a senior technical role at Manchester United, and Rooney sees Fletcher as another possible caretaker candidate, alongside Carrick, John O'Shea and Rooney. Fletcher’s own view on recent events was seen after the FA Cup defeat, when a video was shared from the club’s official account.
Darren Fletcher shares his reaction to tonight's #FACup exitManchester United (@ManUtd) January 11, 2026
Rooney’s own coaching pathway has been demanding, with four posts already on the CV. Rooney has managed Derby County in the Championship, then moved to MLS side D.C. United, later took charge at Birmingham City, and most recently worked at Plymouth Argyle, reflecting a varied early managerial career.
Carrick already has experience leading Manchester United on an interim basis, having stepped in briefly during 2021, before leaving when a permanent successor arrived. After that spell, Carrick went to Middlesbrough, where the former England midfielder stayed for close to three years before departing at the end of last season.
At Middlesbrough, Carrick managed 136 matches and won 63 of them, giving a win percentage of 46.3%. That record has strengthened Carrick’s reputation as a thoughtful coach, and those numbers are part of why Manchester United’s owners now see Carrick as a credible option for a second caretaker term.
Rooney praised Carrick’s work on Teesside, stating: "Michael is a very clever person and has done a very good job at Middlesbrough," before adding, "I think it would be a really good fit [at United]. You are not seeing any top managers available at this moment in time who through history have been successful and won trophies. Michael loves the football club and would step in to do a job if he can. It's an opportunity to go and show what he can do over the next few months and make the owners look at him and say we don't need to go elsewhere. "
Looking further ahead, Rooney suggested that Manchester United might eventually consider England manager Thomas Tuchel, whose deal with the Three Lions finishes after the World Cup this summer, while also stressing the current opening could be decisive, saying: "Whoever goes in now has an opportunity to go and show what they are worth. If not, Thomas Tuchel is the outstanding candidate. "
Rooney’s comments underline a belief that Manchester United’s next caretaker, likely Carrick, must reconnect the club with its traditions, while also proving capable on the touchline, and that this short-term appointment, whether involving Carrick, Fletcher, O'Shea or Rooney, could influence how the ownership views longer-term choices such as Tuchel.
