Karen Carney says interim manager Michael Carrick 'has earned' Manchester United job on a permanent basis - but is it a 'risk'?
Published 16/05/2026 at 15:47 GMT+1
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Karen Carney believes that Michael Carrick deserves to be named manager of Manchester United on a permanent basis after a remarkable transformation at Old Trafford.
'He's earned it' - Carney backs Carrick appointment but warns of 'risk'
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However, the former Chelsea, Arsenal, and Birmingham City star admitted that the appointment would not come without its risks.
Carrick replaced former Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim on a temporary basis in January and has since helped the club secure a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Reports have suggested that the former England international could soon be named manager of the 20-time league champions permanently.
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United look set to finish third in the Premier League, and Carney believes Carrick deserves to be rewarded after helping turn the club’s fortunes around.
”I think he has [earned the job on a permanent basis],” she said. "I know some people say that he has only had the Premier League to focus on, but he has still had to manage the group and get them playing intense football.
”They have been more direct, more energised. I think he was clever bringing someone like Steve Holland in to support him and guide him with that bit of experience. So yeah, I think he has earned it.”
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The Red Devils will face Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Sunday before bringing the 2025/26 campaign to a close at Brighton.
Some Manchester United fans and pundits have been hesitant to see Carrick get the job due to comparisons with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian replaced Jose Mourinho as manager of the club during the 2018/19 season, helping to turn a chaotic campaign around.
However, he departed in November 2021 after failing to help the club return to the pinnacle of English football.
Carney believes that experience under Solskjaer could weigh heavy on the minds of many Manchester United fans.
”Either way, a lot of people would say it is a risk. If you give it to him, that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer conversation comes up," said Carney.
”If you don’t, and you give it to someone else and it goes wrong, then people will say that they had one of their own there who was doing well.
”They’ve given it to him, I think it is an exciting time, and he has the staff behind him. Hopefully, he gets the players in to really give him a push in his second season.”
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Star midfielder Casemiro looks set to leave the club this summer, paving the way for a busy few months in the transfer market.
And Carney cannot wait to see who The Red Devils sign to help bolster Carrick’s midfield options.
”Next season is going to be difficult,” she said. ”I am really intrigued to see the type of players they bring in for him.
”They are going to add to the squad, and with Champions League football as well, they are going to have to improve. They are going to lose a few players as well.”
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