Roy Keane sends message to Man Utd over Michael Carrick after Wayne Rooney gives clear verdict

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Roy Keane has reinforced his view that Michael Carrick shouldn't become Manchester United's next permanent head coach. Carrick, 44, has performed admirably since his return to Old Trafford in an interim capacity in mid-January, securing seven wins and one draw from his nine games at the helm.

This impressive spell has lifted United to third in the Premier League standings and positioned them favourably to clinch Champions League qualification for next season. However, despite the Reds enjoying a dramatic improvement in results since Carrick's arrival, Keane remains unconvinced he's the right candidate to lead the club on a full-time basis.

When questioned whether he would hand Carrick the United manager's role permanently in the summer, Keane told Sky Sports : "No, I think there are better options out there. I think the games that he has come in, he has won football matches and done a very good job. He has simplified things, but there has been no jeopardy in those games.

"They've had free weeks to prepare for those matches, it has been good timing for him, and he has done a very good job. I take my hat off to him.

"And if he does get the job in the summer, good luck to him. But I think there are far better options out there for the next manager of Man United.

"If Carrick had been mentioned three months ago as the next United manager you'd have been locked up. He wasn't even in the reckoning! But with time he has got the opportunity and he has done a very good job. I just think there are better options out there."

Meanwhile, ex-United forward Rooney shared a different opinion to Keane. Indeed, the 40-year-old told BBC 5 Live that he would give Carrick the full-time gig at the end of the season. "100 per cent he should," Rooney replied, when questioned if Carrick should be awarded the permanent role.

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"I knew this was going happen with Michael Carrick, I know him very well, I know his character and personality," Rooney added. "It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place and the players needed some love and he's give them that.

"We're seeing the players play with more quality, we're seeing them more together as a team and they look like a very strong team. So, for me, why would you change?

"You've got someone come in who's got I think the best win percentage of any Manchester United manager after that many games, so, for me, he has to get the job."

Keane and Rooney were speaking after United further bolstered their Champions League ambitions with a well-deserved 3-1 victory against Aston Villa on Sunday. The Reds opened the scoring just after the interval through Casemiro but were pulled level when Ross Barkley unleashed a powerful effort past Senne Lammens. However, Carrick's team demonstrated resilience and regained the advantage as Matheus Cunha found the net before Benjamin Sesko sealed the triumph with a late goal.

"We can enjoy winning," Carrick said post-match. "It's a good feeling and something we want to keep getting used to. We are keeping a lid on it and understanding where we are and what it takes to win games like today. We are in a good position at the moment but still a lot to play for."

Former United midfielder Keane initially stated that he doesn't believe Carrick should become the club's next permanent head coach following his second match back in January. Speaking after a 3-2 victory at Arsenal , Keane commended the impact Carrick had made following consecutive wins but felt he isn't the "right man for the job".

"Two great performances but anyone can win two games," Keane said at the time. "If United win every game until the end of the season, I still wouldn't be giving him the job. I still wouldn't be convinced he's the man for the job. Absolutely not. They need a bigger and better manager. The size of the club and the challenges they face over the next few years, you want a manager who you feel can get them winning league titles.

"Are we going to sit here and believe Michael Carrick can get United winning league titles? It's not enough for me. I don't believe he is the man to get them winning league titles."

United's next fixture sees them travel to Bournemouth on Friday evening. Victory at the Vitality Stadium would see them establish a six-point cushion over fourth-placed Aston Villa, move eight clear of Liverpool in fifth and extend their advantage to six points over sixth-placed Chelsea .

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