Roy Keane criticises Manchester United’s appointment of Michael Carrick

Roy Keane publicly questioned Manchester United’s decision to hand Michael Carrick the managerial role on a long-term basis, saying on 01.11.2026 that club loyalty and personal character should not be the decisive factors in selecting a head coach.

Keane: pick the best candidate, not the most beloved

The former United captain argued the club’s leaders must prioritise who can get the most out of the squad rather than rely on Carrick’s standing inside the club. Keane urged the owners to appoint “the best possible candidate” for the job.

Keane dismissed appeals to Carrick’s personality as irrelevant to coaching performance. “If I hear one more person telling me that he's a great man and that he loves the club… What has that got to do with it? It has nothing to do with his personality,” he said, separating affection for a former player from an assessment of his coaching abilities.

He insisted the core requirement for any coach is the relationship with the players and their readiness to respond to his demands. “At the end of the day, you have to get the players to run for you,” Keane added.

Keane also acknowledged uncertainty in every appointment, noting that a familiar name does not guarantee success. “We can all name a few coaches who could be good options. That doesn't mean they'll succeed, but you still have to look for the best option,” he said, without naming a preferred replacement.

Finally, Keane turned his criticism towards the club’s owners, saying the breadth of their responsibilities does not reduce the importance of choosing the right manager for the first team at Old Trafford.

Photo: press material from the event