Wayne Rooney says it would be a “no-brainer” to rejoin Manchester United as a coach should Michael Carrick be appointed caretaker boss and he was offered the chance to be part of his staff.
A former United and England team-mate of Rooney, Carrick has emerged as the favourite to take the helm at Old Trafford until the end of the season, with former boss Ruben Amorim sacked on 5 January.
Former Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher, who also played alongside Rooney at United, has been handed temporary responsibility for first-team affairs following Amorim’s departure and oversaw the Premier League draw at Burnley and the 2-1 FA Cup defeat against Brighton.
Club chiefs are hoping to have the caretaker appointment in place for when players return to training on Wednesday.
Speaking on the latest edition of BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show, United’s record goalscorer said Carrick would be a “great fit” for the role, and that he would “of course” offer any assistance if required.
“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,” added Rooney, who has recently been on holiday with Carrick and his family in Barbados.
“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.
“The club has lost its identity, it’s lost that family feel, if you like. Whether it’s Ole [Ole Gunnar Solskjaer] or Michael, this is an opportunity to bring that back, bring the spirit of Manchester United back to the football club.
Asked if he would join Carrick’s coaching staff, he said: “Of course I would. 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, 44, previously had a three-game stint as United’s temporary boss following Solskjaer’s dismissal in 2021.
He won two and drew one of those matches but left after Ralf Rangnick’s arrival as interim manager.
Solskjaer held face-to-face discussions with the club on Saturday about a return.