Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has praised interim head coach Michael Carrick for giving fans a “taste of what it was like under Sir Alex Ferguson” during United’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford. The former England striker believes the win could be a sign of better times ahead for the Red Devils.
Carrick Appointed Interim Head Coach
Michael Carrick, 44, took over as Manchester United’s interim manager on Tuesday following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. Carrick, who won five Premier League titles as a player under Ferguson, now has the responsibility of leading the club until the end of the season.
In his first game in charge, United defeated Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City 2-0 in front of a raucous home crowd. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu secured a well-deserved victory and sent a strong message to both fans and players.
Rooney: Fans Felt Ferguson-Era Energy
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show podcast, Rooney highlighted the difference Carrick made not just on the pitch, but in Old Trafford’s atmosphere.
“Even when he walked out before the game and tried to pump the crowd up, you could see the difference in the stadium,” Rooney said.
“The fans got a taste of what it was like under Sir Alex Ferguson. Some of the young fans, who haven’t witnessed the team perform that well in the last 10-13 years, really felt it.”
Rooney believes Carrick’s approach brought energy, belief, and resilience back to the squad, qualities United fans associate with the Ferguson era.
“They haven’t seen a team perform with that bravery on the ball, combined with toughness and resilience. Yesterday, the fans felt that energy and confidence, and hopefully it’s a glimpse of what’s coming in the next 16 games.”
Best Performance in a Long Time
The match itself saw Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo break the deadlock after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, followed by a quick second goal from Patrick Dorgu. Rooney described it as the “best performance” he had seen from United in years.
“Michael’s changes weren’t rocket science,” Rooney said. “He made simple tweaks to the formation and got the team running and working hard. That’s what United have been missing.”
He praised the performance of the wingers Amad and Dorgu, highlighting their work rate and defensive contributions, which allowed United to maintain a compact shape and hit Manchester City on the counter-attack.
From Amorim to Carrick: A Night-and-Day Difference
Ruben Amorim was dismissed on 5 January after a string of disappointing results. Rooney noted the stark contrast between Amorim’s approach and Carrick’s first match in charge.
“It was night and day from what we’ve been seeing. You could feel the difference in the energy from the team, the confidence, belief, and composure on the ball at the right times.”
Rooney emphasized that the victory reminded him of Manchester United’s DNA:
“Work hard, run for your teammate, get back into shape, be hard to play against, and when you get an opportunity, run forward. That’s classic Man United.”
A Glimpse of Hope for United Fans
United supporters, many of whom have endured a decade of inconsistency since Ferguson’s departure, were encouraged by the performance. Rooney believes Carrick’s leadership could restore the club’s identity and set the foundation for future success.
“The fans felt something yesterday. That connection, that belief—it was a reminder of what Manchester United is all about. If Carrick can build on this, it’s a really exciting time for the club.”
Leave a Reply