“How on earth?!” – Ex Man Utd star left ‘astounded’ by Keane & Neville advice for INEOS | OneFootball

Michael Owen warns the Manchester United hierarchy about heeding the advice of club legends regarding the future of Michael Carrick.

INEOS have a major call to make in the coming months, as they must decide whether to keep the current interim coach on a permanent basis or make a new appointment.

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The 44-year-old has managed to impress since taking over from the sacked Ruben Amorim last January. He has thus far won seven games, drawn two, and lost only once in his first 10 matches in charge.

Michael Owen urges INEOS to confirm Michael Carrick

Despite Man Utd’s inspiring form, the management has thus far avoided making a hasty decision, preferring to bide their time.

This stance has resonated with former club captains, Gary Neville and Roy Keane, who insist that Carrick hasn’t done enough to warrant a long-term contract, as they suggest the appointment of a more accomplished profile.

However, the arguments offered by the MUFC legends have left Owen puzzled. The former Ballon d’Or has been left to wonder what more Carrick could do to prove he’s worthy of the role, while warning INEOS of the consequences of making the wrong call.

“Imagine if you got rid of Michael Carrick, just imagine it, and you brought in whoever – I don’t care who it is, even a born winner, somebody they’ve already had, that type of manager,” said the former England striker (via the Daily Mail).

“Imagine if things started spiralling, started going poorly again; the ownership would get absolutely lynched.

“I’m astounded by certain people saying no, they shouldn’t appoint him. Astounded. Why on earth is this even a question? I don’t get it. I’m not saying, ‘go and give him a 10-year contract, everything’s perfect, ‘ But bloody hell, what more can he do? You’ve just got to let this roll.”

Man Utd enjoying revival under Carrick

Owen feels that Man Utd have turned the corner with Carrick, so there’s absolutely no reason to consider parting ways with him at this stage.

“This Manchester United team look like they’re on the way back at this stage. Why would you interfere with anything?

“How on earth can anybody say that he shouldn’t continue? What’s the worst that can happen? You give him a two-year contract. He starts the next season, for the first three or four months, he loses every game, and he’s useless. He can part company with the club.

“If the league started when Carrick took over, Manchester United would be top of the league. We’re talking at this stage now, we’d be a third of the way through the season, and Man United is at the top of the league. You’d be thinking, well, can they win the league?”

Owen isn’t the first former Man Utd star to offer his support to Carrick, as his former striking partner, Wayne Rooney, had also argued in the 44-year-old’s favour.

While the decision has yet to be made, Carrick’s stock appears to be on the rise, especially with big-name candidates like Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel set to extend their time with Brazil and England, respectively.