Wayne Rooney urges INEOS to ditch the high-profile manager strategy and stick with Michael Carrick to bridge the “disconnect” between the academy and the first team.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has sent a clear message to the Old Trafford hierarchy: stop chasing world-class “names” and trust the man already doing the job. As rumors link current PSG boss Luis Enrique to the United vacancy, Rooney insists that Michael Carrick is the “calming influence” the club has lacked for a decade.
Carrick, who took over as interim boss following Ruben Amorim’s sacking in January, has enjoyed a stellar start. With four wins from his first five Premier League games—including victories over Manchester City and Arsenal the former midfielder has transformed United into genuine Champions League contenders.
The Academy “Disconnect”
For Rooney, the most important change hasn’t been the tactics, but the culture. The current Plymouth Argyle manager highlighted a growing gap between the youth ranks and the senior squad that appeared during previous regimes.
“There was a massive disconnect from the academy and the first team,” Rooney told The Overlap. “Immediately, what we’ve seen [under Carrick] is this connection come back together. We’re seeing first-team coaches at academy games again.”
Rooney pointed to the resurgence of Kobbie Mainoo as proof. The England international had fallen out of favor under Amorim but has become the heartbeat of the team since Carrick’s appointment.
Carrick vs. The “Superstars”
United’s history since 2013 is a graveyard of high-profile managerial appointments. Rooney argues that sticking with a “family club” feel is more effective than bringing in another big ego.
Man Utd Managerial Record (Post-Amorim Era):
| Manager | Win % (First 5 Games) | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Carrick | 80% | Reintegrated Kobbie Mainoo |
| Ruben Amorim | 31.9% | Defeated by Grimsby Town |
| Luis Enrique | – | Current Champions League holder (PSG) |
The Verdict
While Luis Enrique remains a top target for INEOS, his commitment to PSG (where he recently won the club’s first Champions League) makes a summer move difficult. Rooney believes the solution is already sitting in the Old Trafford dugout. “Having someone in there who knows the club, cares for the club it makes a big difference,” Rooney concluded.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
