Wayne Rooney has weighed in on the impact Michael Carrick has made since taking over as Manchester United head coach.
Since the start of 2024, United have found a bit more consistency. They've pushed into the top four, which puts them in a strong position to secure Champions League qualification.
And it's hard to ignore his record: six wins and a draw from seven games since January is exactly the kind of form United fans have been hoping for.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
During the busy festive schedule, United had several chances to break into the top four but failed to take them, making their current position under Carrick even more impressive.
United have moved up to third, and while a title push still looks unlikely, Carrick hasn't ruled it out completely. But with both Arsenal and City in good form, it would need something drastic to change.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Rooney was asked what's behind Carrick's immediate impact since returning to Old Trafford. He kept his answer simple.
"Just simplicity, I think," Rooney said. "You know, we get told how great all these young coaches are. I've worked with some of them and a lot of it is very complicated. I know the game very well and sometimes you can overcomplicate the game."
He went on: "I think what Michael's done is gone in and simplified what Man United were doing and he's simplified that and given players a clear message of what the role is. I'm sure there's been a demand of you have to run, you have to work, you have to tackle."
"It sounds simple with the basics of football. And that's what he's done," Rooney continued. "The players have certainly took to that and had a great start."
Rooney will be playing in the match, joining a long list of former professional footballers and celebrities. That list includes one of his former United teammates, Van Der Sar.
The Unicef fundraiser is set to take place at West Ham 's London Stadium, something Rooney says he's looking forward to.
"I can't wait for this year's Soccer Aid for Unicef and to pull on the England shirt one more time for the 20th anniversary," Rooney said.
"It's England against World XI at the London Stadium on May 31 and this year we want nothing less than an England win."
"Me, Coleen and the boys love the atmosphere and the brilliant family occasion that Soccer Aid for Unicef always is," he added. "The kids enjoy seeing football legends alongside their favourite celebrities and influencers on the same pitch.
"Last year, Coleen travelled to Poland with Unicef and saw first-hand how the money raised is supporting children with disabilities who fled the war in Ukraine so they can continue their education and simply be kids once again."
Tickets for Soccer Aid are available now through Ticketmaster, with prices starting from just £10 for children, £20 for adults. Fans can also watch live on ITV1, STV or ITVX.
Read more:
