Rooney Backs Tuchel for United Job as Alonso Waits for Liverpool Opening

Wayne Rooney has made his managerial preferences clear for Manchester United's future, backing the club's appointment of Michael Carrick as interim boss while outlining his vision for a permanent successor.

United confirmed this week that Carrick will oversee the club through the remainder of the season following Ruben Amorim's departure earlier this month. The former United midfielder, who claimed five Premier League crowns under Sir Alex Ferguson alongside Rooney, has earned the backing of the legendary striker as a stabilising force.

"It's probably the obvious choice really because I don't think there are any top, top managers available at the minute," Rooney told BBC's The Wayne Rooney Show. "I think it is the right choice at this moment in time. It is a difficult task of course. Where Manchester United are at the minute is not a good place and Michael has to go in and steady the ship."

Carrick's temporary arrangement provides breathing room for United's hierarchy to identify a permanent appointment ahead of summer. Xabi Alonso has surfaced as a possibility after his dismissal from Real Madrid this week, yet Rooney reckons the Spanish tactician will keep his powder dry.

"Alonso did incredible at Leverkusen and I think you have more chance of him sitting and waiting and hoping with [Liverpool manager Arne] Slot," Rooney explained. "Tuchel is the one for me. He knows the Premier League, has won trophies. He is doing well at England. Time will tell."

Tuchel is currently preparing England for the World Cup campaign this summer, having proven his credentials across multiple top-flight competitions. His familiarity with English football, combined with his trophy-laden CV, makes him Rooney's preferred candidate.

Rooney also offered insight into Carrick's character, suggesting his calm exterior masks a more dynamic personality. "Michael's great fun. He is a great character, but don't be fooled by how calm he looks. He can have fun as well, but make no mistake, he'd be going in there now with full focus."

United sit seventh in the Premier League standings after managing just one victory in their previous six outings. Carrick's opening test is unforgiving: Manchester City arrive at Old Trafford on Saturday.

"It is a massive game for the club, for Michael," Rooney said. "I think what he will do is bring a bit of calmness, a bit of grit to the game, which I think is needed. It is going to be very difficult, Manchester City are obviously a top team and it will be difficult to get anything out of it even at Old Trafford. But as we've seen over the years, Manchester United if they do turn up can win the game and hopefully that happens on Saturday."

Carrick has assembled a coaching team featuring former England assistant Steve Holland, ex-Middlesbrough number two Jonathan Woodgate, retired defender Jonny Evans and Under-21s boss Travis Binnion. Rooney, who has worked under Holland at international level, highlighted the structural improvements such an appointment brings.

"I was really impressed with him tactically at England, how he worked and his organisation," Rooney reflected. "Steve Holland did all the training, Gareth Southgate didn't really, he'd be more the manager and Steve took all the sessions. I think what they will bring, Michael and Steve, is an organisation to Manchester United and I'm sure we'll see on Saturday, they'll be harder to beat."