- Rio Ferdinand urges INEOS to ‘back’ Michael Carrick
- Former teammate all but confirmed as new head coach
- Former defender questions availability to cynics
Former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged INEOS to back interim boss Michael Carrick ‘right now’.
The 44-year-old has not officially been confirmed as United’s next permanent head coach, but a contract has reportedly been drawn up as the season concludes.
Ferdinand played with the current boss during a highly successful period for the club. The pair played with each other 261 times, winning five Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and two League Cups together.
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Ferdinand: Back Carrick
Speaking on the latest episode of ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’, the 47-year-old dedicated much of the latest episode to Carrick, United and criticism aimed towards the team from former legends.
He said: ‘‘I think INEOS have to back him right now. Because he’s put INEOS in the corner and said ‘you can’t get rid of me’. And like I said before, the only way you get rid of Michael Carrick right now, after what he’s done, is if Luis Enrique leaves PSG and comes to Manchester United and knocks on the door and says, ‘guys, I want to manage Manchester United.”
The PSG boss seemingly ruled himself out of the running by agreeing to a new contract at the current European champions. Although no contract has officially been signed, it is expected to go through at the end of the season.
Ferdinand continued: “He [Enrique]’s the only person I’d do that for right now. Anyone else? There’s too many questions marks around them.’’
The former defender pointed out Champions League qualification, improvement of “individual performances” and raising the level of existing players as rationale for the appointment of Carrick.
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Ferdinand Talks Sense
Ferdinand’s argument makes a lot of sense. For the cynics who have questioned Carrick’s appointment, the majority have failed to offer an available alternative.
Many of the other potential have been Premier League candidates, such as Unai Emery, Marco Silva and Andoni Iraola. Yet, none hold the superstar recognition in football management that fans desired.
As a result, there is no real reason to get rid of Carrick and start afresh with an option that would be riskier. By appointing the former midfielder, United are already four months ahead of schedule in a ‘transition’ period after Ruben Amorim. Qualification for the Champions League and finishing in third place is unanimously seen as an overachievement by fans.
As Ferdinand put it, Carrick has dragged a team “from the floor” to a place where they belong. It would have been harsh for INEOS not to offer a contract, especially if no ‘upgrades’ were in the market. Now, Sir Jim Ratcliffe must focus on backing their man, both in the transfer market and in the boardroom.
