What Sir Alex Ferguson really thinks about Carrick getting Man Utd job | Football | Sport

Sir Alex Ferguson has given his backing to Michael Carrick’s expected appointment as the permanent Manchester United manager. United have considered alternative candidates, but Carrick has consistently been viewed as the leading contender. Significantly, co-owners the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are aligned in their belief that he deserves to stay in the role. That support includes the club’s greatest-ever manager, Ferguson.

Following his retirement in 2013, the Scot was frequently sought out for guidance on managerial matters. While that has not occurred on this particular occasion, it is understood he supports the probable permanent appointment of Carrick. Carrick would become the seventh permanent manager since Ferguson stepped aside.

Ferguson personally selected his successor, David Moyes, but has reduced his influence in recent years. He favoured Jose Mourinho’s appointment in 2026, light-heartedly advising the Portuguese manager to “bring an umbrella” for Manchester’s inclement weather.

Mourinho said of Ferguson at the time: “His opinion is an important opinion for me in the same way that many legends in this club love the club and are in the punditry industry, so every opinion will be important for me.”

Ferguson also seemed to establish a strong rapport with Erik ten Hag, dining out with the Dutch manager. While Ferguson, a non-executive director, has not been formally consulted of late, he has been informed of progress concerning Carrick.

The former Middlesbrough manager has exceeded all expectations since stepping in during January, following the bitter conclusion to Ruben Amorim‘s turbulent tenure.

Carrick has presided over a significant improvement in both atmosphere and performances, with United securing Champions League qualification with three games to spare and on the brink of locking down third place in the Premier League.

That remarkable turnaround has placed the club’s former midfielder, captain and coach in a prime position to retain the role, with talks understood to be underway ahead of the season’s conclusion.

Carrick also enjoys backing from several of his former United team-mates, amongst them Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.

Rooney has urged the club to reach a definitive conclusion sooner rather than later, in anticipation of what promises to be a hectic summer of incomings and outgoings as Carrick reshapes the squad.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Rooney said: “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.”

Meanwhile, Ferdinand told talkSPORT: “He’s earned the right to manage Manchester United. He’s taken us to third convincingly. On that alone, he deserves an opportunity.”