Manchester United: Michael Carrick “the right choice at this moment” – Wayne Rooney

Carrick made 464 appearances for United over 12 years, and spent three games as the club’s caretaker manager in 2021, winning two and drawing one.

The 44-year-old coach coached Middlesbrough between 2002 and 2005.

“Michael is a lot of fun. He’s a great character, but don’t be fooled by his calm appearance,” Rooney said.

“He can have fun too, but make no mistake, he will go there now with full concentration.”

Manchester United ranks seventh in the English Premier League after winning only once in its past six matches.

Carrick’s first assignment comes on Saturday (12:30 GMT) when Manchester City make the short trip to Old Trafford.

“It’s a huge game for the club, for Michael,” Rooney said.

“I think what he will do is bring a little bit of calm and a little bit of determination into the game, which I think is necessary. It will be very difficult, and obviously Manchester City is a big team and it will be difficult to achieve anything even at Old Trafford.”

He added: “But as we have seen over the years, if Manchester United comes, they can win the match and we hope that will happen on Saturday.”