Rooney Open to Manchester United Return Under Carrick

Wayne Rooney has confirmed he would be keen on a return to Manchester United as part of Michael Carrick’s coaching staff, with the former midfielder expected to be appointed interim manager in the coming days.

The club legend made his stance clear while speaking on his BBC podcast, stressing that a call from Carrick would be enough to bring him back to Old Trafford despite having been out of frontline coaching since his dismissal by Plymouth Argyle.

Rooney’s comments come at a pivotal moment for United, with the club preparing to name an interim successor following another turbulent spell. Carrick is set to edge out Darren Fletcher and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the role, continuing a trend of turning to former players during periods of instability.

The situation matters because United are again searching for direction, both on and off the pitch. Recent appointments of managers without prior ties to the club have failed to restore consistency or identity, and the hierarchy now appears focused on reconnecting with the values of the club’s most successful era.

There is a sense of familiarity surrounding Carrick’s impending appointment, with Old Trafford braced for a transitional period led by figures who understand the environment. Rooney has argued that this understanding is essential, pointing to the importance of culture, standards, and accountability that once defined the club.

Key conversations around the appointment have centred on staffing. Carrick is believed to be shaping a small inner circle after the departure of Ruben Amorim’s coaching team, leaving room for experienced voices who know the demands of Manchester United.

Rooney’s potential involvement would add experience and authority, even if his managerial record remains mixed. His time at Derby County earned respect for navigating extreme financial pressure, but later spells at D.C. United, Birmingham City, and Plymouth ended without sustained success.

The second phase of Rooney’s career has therefore been one of learning rather than results. He has repeatedly stated his openness to development roles, including academy or assistant positions, viewing them as opportunities to grow away from constant scrutiny.

Late developments will depend on Carrick’s final decisions and the club’s approval of his proposed staff. Fletcher, who recently oversaw matches against Burnley and Brighton, could yet remain involved, potentially returning to a youth role after a testing audition at senior level.

For Rooney, the prospect represents a chance to re-enter football in a more measured capacity, while for United it could mark another step toward restoring a sense of continuity. What follows next will shape not only the remainder of the season, but also the club’s broader attempt to rediscover its identity.