Published: 23:06, 9 February 2026 | Updated: 23:06, 9 February 2026

Rio Ferdinand appeared to hit out for a second time at the stance held by his former team-mate Roy Keane - and other Manchester United fans - that Michael Carrick should not be handed the permanent job at Old Trafford this summer. 

Under the interim manager, the struggling side have won four Premier League matches on the bounce for the first time in two years, with many believing that appointing Carrick full-time would help the club move on from its challenging Ruben Amorim era. 

But Keane was an early vocal critic of the idea, stressing that there are 'bigger and better' candidates to take the reins at the end of the season. 

Ferdinand has been one of Carrick's most outspoken supporters among the ranks of former Man United stars who have moved into punditry. Speaking on his podcast on Monday, he said Carrick should be given the job if he guides the club into the Champions League.

He had earlier said he thought the disrespect shown towards the former captain...