Carrick’s Man Utd return criticised by Keane and Neville
Michael Carrick is back in charge at Manchester United, taking over as head coach until the end of the season. While Roy Keane and Gary Neville have already voiced their concerns, another club legend believes it’s wise to hold off on judgment for now.
But Carrick’s return puts him back in a familiar position – under scrutiny.
The 42-year-old steps into a role he knows well, having played for the club, coached there, and even served as interim manager before leaving in 2021.
His time at Middlesbrough gave him valuable Championship experience, though promotion remained just out of reach despite coming close several times. His two-and-a-half-year stay ended after a poor start to last season.
Manchester United supporters will back Carrick just like they have every manager before him. But beyond fan support, he’ll also need to win over respect from former players now working as pundits.
Gordon Hill takes a different view to Roy Keane and Gary Neville on Michael Carrick appointment
United legend Gordon Hill has urged everyone to take a deep breath and be patient with Carrick as he starts his new role, four years after leaving Old Trafford.
Every manager post-Sir Alex Ferguson has had to deal with the pressures that come at United, but Carrick has experienced this before, having worked under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during a challenging period for the club.
Hill took to X to share his take on Carrick’s appointment, which is quite an alternative view given how other ex-United players have been quicker to push more definitive arguments.
“I suggest everyone just wait and save your judgement until after a few games and see what they can do,” Hill wrote.
“Talking is easy, but doing it is even harder. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt. I will.”
Keane didn’t waste time in sharing his doubts about Jonny Evans joining as first-team coach just a month after leaving his position as Loans Manager.
The decision was made under then-caretaker boss Darren Fletcher, and Evans stayed on when Michael Carrick took over.
The problem Keane has with this is that he feels Evans is not qualified enough for the position.
Gordon Hill questions Jason Wilcox’s role
After catching Keane’s remarks on The Overlap, Hill started to think more about what was said regarding Carrick’s backroom team.
The 71-year-old pointed the finger at United’s football director, Jason Wilcox, suggesting there might be a bigger issue at play.
Hill later posted on X: “Just listened to Roy Keane on the subject of who is who when it comes to the coaching. One important question missed will be picking the team if Carrick is head coach/manager or Jason Wilcox as manager.”
Wilcox now finds himself under closer scrutiny, especially with the added responsibility of finding a permanent head coach to potentially take over from Carrick in the summer.
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