Man Utd news: Wayne Rooney issues plea as Andoni Iraola makes concerning admission

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Michael Carrick could have just two games left in charge of Manchester United after they held to a goalless draw by Sunderland AFC on Saturday. While Carrick has thrived with the Red Devils since taking up an interim tenure until the end of the season, he was unable to inspire his first team to victory at the Stadium of Light.

United looked off the pace for the majority of the encounter, despite heading into the match in far better form than the Black Cats. Regis Le Bris's Sunderland were able to dominate the game for large portions, having by far the share of the chances and possession.

For context, United only registered their first shot on target 93 minutes in when Matheus Cunha's strike was saved by the shoulder of Robin Roefs. And with the Red Devils no closer to appointing a permanent head coach for the new season, a number of concerns have been raised by fans and pundits across the board...

Wayne Rooney believes that the uncertainty surrounding who will be United manager next season could harm the club this summer, given transfer targets will want to know who they will be playing under.

While Champions League football is a guarantee as a result of a resurgence under Carrick, it is still unknown as to whether the 44-year-old will be the one to guide them both domestically and in Europe going forward.

While they have been linked with a wealth of talent in the centre of the park as they look to find a successor to Casemiro , including the likes of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali , any arrival will likely want to know how they fit into a particular manager's plans before signing on the dotted line.

Speaking on Match of the Day , Rooney said: "Manchester United need to invest in players in the summer in order to compete in the Premier League next season, in the Champions League next season, which is where they want to be. They have to invest.

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"They have to strengthen the squad and I don't think there's any denying that. Now, if I was a player and Man United wanted to sign me, the first question I'd ask, 'Who is the manager? Does the manager want me?' So I think [they need] to have clarity on the manager."

The Red Devils legend is also a firm believer that Carrick should be afforded a permanent deal with the club, and that they should announce him imminently. He added: "I think for the club to announce him, I think they need to do it swiftly because they need to get players in. They need to get players to improve that team."

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Iraola has admitted that he is "in no rush" to make a decision on his next move despite links to United and Chelsea . The Bournemouth boss will bring a three-year tenure at the Vitality Stadium to a close at the end of the season, despite the Cherries soaring toward a European place.

And while a number of Premier League sides are thought to be interested in exploring the possibility of bringing him in as a head coach, Crystal Palace included, it is now understood that Iraola will not rush into a job.

Following Saturday's 1-0 win over Fulham in the capital, the Spaniard said: "I'm in no rush. I will not talk about my future. I'm fully focused on trying to finish this season with a reward, something tangible for the [Bournemouth] players and supporters."

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He added: "It was not an easy decision [to leave] but once it is made you feel relief. I feel we have used it in a positive way.

"Since that day, we've had great results but also the mood. Everyone is clear, the relationship is so clean and honest. Okay, this is going to happen, next season Marco Rose will be our manager.

"Everyone knows what's happening. We are in good place and can use this in a positive way."