Michael Owen insists that Manchester United should allow Michael Carrick more time at the helm, even with the team struggling early in the Premier League campaign.
After six matches, the Red Devils find themselves in 13th place, having secured just one win, three draws, and two defeats. Carrick previously guided United to a third-place finish last season, serving as interim manager from January to May.
Owen is convinced that Carrick's past achievements warrant patience, arguing that current difficulties shouldn't lead to undue pressure on the young manager.
"I would like to believe he will be given more time. He did a really fantastic job last season. I think he deserves patience.",
he said, pointing to specific instances that could have changed the outlook of the season. "For instance, in the match against Manchester City, one VAR decision could be seen as the best or worst depending on your allegiance. United could quite easily have picked up a few more points."
While acknowledging that additional points wouldn't resolve all the club's issues, Owen highlighted that the latter part of last season was one of the most promising periods for Manchester United in recent memory.
"Fans can understand why they felt this season could be tremendous and truly exciting. If the team had continued playing as they did last season, they could have been in the title race. I understand the disappointment: it seems now that the chances for the title have slipped away, and they've already exited the League Cup. But there’s a long season ahead,"
the former striker added.
Owen also cautioned the club against a hasty managerial change. According to him, United has tried various strategies before, including hiring experienced coaches, former club legends, and renowned foreign managers, yet these constant changes haven't ensured success.
"That doesn’t mean that because of what Carrick achieved last season he suddenly needs to be under enormous pressure. The club has already gone through sackings, changes, and the quest for the next big name. At some point, it needs to be recognised that returning to where the club wants to be is a gradual process,"
Owen reiterated.
