Wayne Rooney: Ineos Must Find New Direction for Success
Wayne Rooney says INEOS have easy choice regarding coach selection Manchester United returned to winning ways under Michael Carrick with a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday. With the race for the Champions League places heating up, the game against Unai Emery’s team was virtually a six-pointer following the Red Devils’ loss against Newcastle last week. It was the home side who took the lead through Casemiro, but Villa equalised soon after under dubious circumstances.
With the away side in the ascendancy, many fans inside the stadium expected the United players’ heads to drop and for their fragile mentality to crack under pressure. Carrick has transformed team’s mentality But things are different under the caretaker head coach, and Bruno Fernandes led from the front as the hosts roared back in stunning fashion. An inch-perfect through ball, played in behind Villa’s high line, led to Matheus Cunha scoring before super sub Benjamin Sesko sealed the deal.
Nine games into the Carrick era, the 20-time English league champions have picked up seven wins, including famous victories over arch rivals Manchester City, Arsenal, and now Villa. When Ruben Amorim was sacked, United were languishing in sixth place, 11 points behind Villa. Look at where they are now under Carrick.
Wayne Rooney knew Carrick would work his magic After the game, United’s top goalscorer Wayne Rooney was asked whether INEOS should place their faith in his former teammate. Rooney was effusive in his praise for the legendary midfielder, and also detailed the small changes that Carrick had put into effect which have worked wonders within the dressing room. “100% he should [get the job].
I have said this and I knew this was going to happen with Michael Carrick,” the former striker told BBC. “I know him very well and I know his character, his personality. It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place and the players needed some love, and he has given them that.