Rooney backs Mourinho return as Carrick faces sacking after United's worst start in 40 years

Wayne Rooney has called for José Mourinho to return to Manchester United, describing the Real Madrid manager as “exactly” what the club need as Michael Carrick faces dismissal following a catastrophic start to the Premier League season.

United sit 18th in the table with just eight points from their opening ten matches — their worst start to a campaign in 40 years. Carrick, who was appointed permanently in the summer after an impressive interim spell, is expected to be sacked during the November international break, with the board then seeking a replacement ahead of a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.

Several names have been linked with the vacancy, including Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte. But speaking on the Stick to United podcast, club legend Rooney made clear his preference.

“He’s probably exactly what Man United need now, if I’m being honest,” Rooney said of Mourinho. “You can see why he’s had the success where he’s had it. I think he’s ruthless, he’s selfish and if he’s got something to say, he’ll say it. But I think, if he had a little bit more within the squad, he would have won [the Premier League].”

Mourinho’s first spell at Old Trafford, which began in 2016 as a replacement for Louis van Gaal, yielded a Europa League, a League Cup and a Community Shield but no league title. United finished sixth in 2016/17, then second the following season — 19 points behind champions Manchester City. After winning just seven of his first 17 league games in 2018/19, Mourinho was sacked in December of that year and replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Despite Rooney’s endorsement, a second Mourinho stint appears unlikely in the near term. The 63-year-old took charge of Real Madrid earlier this year and has guided Los Blancos to second place in La Liga, just three points behind the league leaders.