Ferdinand Remains Unconvinced by Carrick Despite Impressive Run; Backs Casemiro Contract Extension

Michael Carrick's stock continues to rise at Manchester United, yet Rio Ferdinand isn't quite ready to hand him the keys to Old Trafford just yet.

The interim manager has now overseen four straight victories since taking temporary charge following Ruben Amorim's departure, with the latest a commanding 2-0 triumph over Tottenham. Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes got the goals, while Cristian Romero's red card for a studs-up tackle on Casemiro handed United a significant helping hand in proceedings.

That run has propelled the Red Devils into the top four and within touching distance of Champions League football, yet Ferdinand believes caution remains the watchword. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former United defender acknowledged the mounting pressure to make Carrick's appointment permanent, but urged restraint.

"I know a lot of people are asking if Carrick should go on now and get the Man United job – it's getting hard to say no," Ferdinand explained. "In the manner he's winning games, it's hard to say, 'I don't think he should get it, I don't think he's experienced enough, it's another job for old players, is he the right stature to be the manager?'. Well, the truth will be in the pudding."

Despite their long history together—having come through the ranks at West Ham and forging a close friendship during their United days—Ferdinand is prepared to deliver an uncomfortable truth. "I can sit here comfortably and say I don't think he should be given the job right now," he stated, advocating for a wait-and-see approach through the remainder of the campaign before any final decision is made.

That said, Ferdinand acknowledged Carrick is making an increasingly compelling case for himself. "By god, is he putting a good case forward to go and get the job and get offered that contract, and long may it continue," he added.

Away from the managerial question, Ferdinand has also urged United's hierarchy to reconsider their summer plans regarding Casemiro. The club has already confirmed the 33-year-old midfielder will depart before representing Brazil at the World Cup, but Ferdinand reckons that decision warrants a rethink.

"Casemiro… the game left him, he's meant to leave the game before the game left him," Ferdinand remarked. "Listen, where's he going? He needs to sign a new deal. We need to get on to him now, Casemiro, get him another contract and say, 'you know what, give us another year'."

Ferdinand's rationale is straightforward: replacing a player performing at Casemiro's current level would demand substantial investment. "Because we're going to have to go out and replace that and the way he's performing at the moment, we're going to have to spend a lot of money to go and replace Casemiro the way he's performing under Michael Carrick," he reasoned.

The former defender expressed hope that United's recruitment team will prioritise this area during the summer window, urging thoroughness in their approach to identifying and securing a suitable successor should they choose not to extend Casemiro's stay.