Michael Owen says he “can’t believe people are questioning” whether Michael Carrick should become Manchester United’s permanent manager.
Former midfielder Carrick, who made 464 appearances for United, was appointed caretaker manager following the sacking of Ruben Amorim in January.
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The 44-year-old has won six of his eight games in charge and the club have risen 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 calm to the club”.
“I can’t believe people are questioning whether he deserves the job,” Owen said on the latest episode of the BBC’s The Wayne Rooney Show.
“Manchester United have been waiting for about 12 years – since Sir Alex, they’ve been looking for a proven legend and everything [Ferguson].
“When they started playing well and getting results, the fans got on board – you’ll tell me at the end of the season if he finishes third. [place] They’ll say “Thanks, but no”. How is this possible? “
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Rooney praised Carrick and said he gave United fans a taste of the Ferguson era, and he agreed with Owen.
“Everyone at Manchester United loves Michael Carrick, they are just worried that things are not going well. He has done an unbelievable job,” Rooney said.
It is understood the club is looking for other candidates – including Michael Carrick – to take over as permanent manager in the summer.
The battle between Owen and Rooney
Rooney (left) played 120 games for England and scored 53 goals, while Owen played 89 games for England and scored 40 goals. [Getty Images]
Rooney and Owen are at the center of a heated “Who’s better?” last year’s debate.
The conversation began in September when Owen backed himself up in response to the question “Who was better at 17 – himself or Rooney?”
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Irving said injuries have hampered his own career, then added: “He’s going to be a better player than me. But, 17 years old, come on…”
However, the 2001 Ballon d’Or winner was more diplomatic on Rooney’s podcast about who they think are the best footballers at 18 years old.
Owen recalled the period when the player nicknamed ‘Waza’ became a teenage star with England at Euro 2004, six years after he achieved similar results at the 1998 World Cup.
“It felt like it took me a long time to become England’s number one forward and it felt like I’d only been there for two weeks and he came along and I had to be a supporting player,” said Owen, who made 89 appearances for England to Rooney’s 120.
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Rooney expressed his appreciation for his podcast guests.
“I pretended to be Michael at the 1998 World Cup and then I joined the team and played up front with him,” Rooney said. “Two years ago I was pretending to be Michael in the garden and hitting the ball against my granny’s wall and all of a sudden I was playing with him.”