Roy Keane Says Manchester United’s ‘Swagger’ Is Back — But Insists Club Needs a Bigger Name Than Michael Carrick

Manchester United may be showing signs of their old confidence again, but club legend Roy Keane remains unconvinced that interim head coach Michael Carrick is the man to lead the club into its next era.

Speaking after United’s dramatic 3–2 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Keane acknowledged a renewed sense of authority and calm in the team’s performances. Yet despite back-to-back statement wins against Manchester City and the Premier League leaders Arsenal, the former United captain was emphatic that Carrick should not be considered for the role on a permanent basis.

United’s latest victory was sealed by a late winner from Matheus Cunha, completing a remarkable start to Carrick’s temporary spell in charge following the departure of Ruben Amorim. Two matches, two wins, and a noticeable shift in mood have lifted spirits around Old Trafford — but Keane insists short-term momentum should not cloud long-term judgement.

Keane: ‘Anyone Can Win Two Games’

Keane, speaking on Sky Sports, was blunt in his assessment of Carrick’s prospects beyond the end of the season.

“Two great performances — but anyone can win two games,” Keane said. “If United win every game until the end of the season, I still wouldn’t be giving him the job. I still wouldn’t be convinced he’s the man for the job. Absolutely not.”

For Keane, the issue is not Carrick’s competence or character, but the scale of the challenge at one of the world’s biggest football clubs.

“They need a bigger and better manager,” he added. “The size of the club and the challenges they face over the next few years — you want a manager who you feel can get them winning league titles.”

Keane questioned whether Carrick, who is still in the early stages of his managerial career, could realistically return United to domestic dominance.

“Are we going to sit here and believe Michael Carrick can get United winning league titles? It’s not enough for me. I don’t believe he is the man to get them winning league titles.”

Signs of the ‘Old’ Manchester United

Despite his reservations, Keane was quick to praise the performance against Arsenal, pointing to a composure and confidence that have often been missing in recent seasons.

“Considering where they are and where they have been, they had a bit of swagger and calmness to their play,” he said. “Two brilliant strikes and players off the bench had a big influence.”

Keane also noted the reaction of the travelling support, describing scenes reminiscent of United’s more successful eras.

“You see the United fans in the corner — it’s a bit like the old days,” he said. “Carrick’s done really well. Two brilliant performances. They showed real quality.”

For a club that has cycled through managers and identities over the past decade, the emotional response from supporters has been as significant as the results themselves.

Gary Neville: Time for a World-Class Appointment

Gary Neville echoed Keane’s sentiments, agreeing that while Carrick deserves credit for steadying the ship, Manchester United must resist making another emotionally driven decision.

“Manchester United have acted emotionally a number of times in the last 12 years,” Neville said on Sky Sports. “I honestly could not be happier with the last two weeks. The familiarity in what I’m watching feels like I’m watching my team play again properly.”

Neville highlighted the intensity and structure in United’s recent performances, but stressed that the club should target elite managerial experience once the season concludes.

“I think it’s right that Carrick keeps the job until the end of the season and then hands the baton over to a Tuchel or an Ancelotti — someone of that world-class ilk,” he said.

Names such as Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti have long been associated with elite European success, and Neville believes United must think at that level if they are to compete for major honours again.

Carrick Keeps Feet Firmly on the Ground

Carrick himself has shown little interest in speculation about the long-term future, instead focusing on incremental progress and collective effort.

“It’s only been 10 days, so it was never going to be perfect,” Carrick said after the Arsenal win. “We couldn’t expect to come here and suddenly dominate the whole game and the ball.”

The former midfielder emphasized that United are still at the beginning of a process.

“We’re just starting off, really. It’s a great starting point, but we need to put more layers on top, and we’ll try to do that in the coming weeks,” he said.

Carrick was particularly keen to credit his coaching staff and the players for buying into the approach, pointing to the impact of substitutes as evidence of a growing collective belief.

“It’s a real collective feeling,” he added. “It’s great when it comes together and everyone’s in it, and we can celebrate with the fans at the end. That’s important — and it’s a big moment.”

A Temporary Lift, or the Start of Something More?

For now, Carrick’s role remains clear: guide United through the remainder of the season and restore stability. Whether the recent resurgence proves to be a fleeting bounce or the foundation for a larger rebuild will depend on decisions made in the coming months.

As Keane and Neville both suggest, Manchester United may have rediscovered their swagger — but the question of who should lead them back to the summit of English football remains firmly unresolved.