Michael Carrick: Michael Owen ‘can’t believe’ people questioning former team-mate for Man Utd job

Michael Owen said he “can’t believe people are questioning whether Michael Carrick will be Manchester United’s permanent manager”.

Former midfielder Carrick, who made 464 appearances for United, was appointed as interim head coach following the sacking of Ruben Amorim in January.

The 44-year-old won six of his eight games in charge and his club rose from sixth to third in the Premier League.

Former Manchester United and England striker Owen, who played with Carrick at Old Trafford between 2009 and 2012, believes he has “brought calmness back to the club”.

“I can’t believe people are questioning whether he’ll get the job,” Owen said on the latest edition of BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show.

“Manchester United waited nearly 12 years; they went to proven legends since Sir Alex. [Ferguson].

“And when they start playing well, when they start getting results, the fans join in; if it’s third, you tell me at the end of the season.” [place] They’ll say, ‘Thank you, but no, thank you.’ How is this possible?”

Rooney, who praised Carrick and previously said the caretaker had given United fans a taste of the Fergie era, agreed with Owen.

“Everyone at Manchester United loves Michael Carrick and they’re afraid things won’t go their way. He’s done an incredible job,” Rooney said.

It is understood that the club is considering other candidates, along with Carrick, to take over as permanent coach in the summer.