Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney (Picture: Getty)
Wayne Rooney has suggested Manchester United could finish above Manchester City in the Premier League after their resurgence continued against Aston Villa.
United clinched an important victory over top-four rivals Villa on Sunday, beating Unai Emery’s side 3-1 thanks to goals from Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
The impressive win leaves Manchester United with a three-point cushion in third and just seven points behind local rivals Manchester City with eight games remaining.
United were outside of the Champions League places at the time of Ruben Amorim’s sacking in January but now look certain to qualify for Europe’s top club competition next season.
The Red Devils have been revitalised under caretaker manager Michael Carrick, taking 22 points from nine games since his return to Old Trafford – the best return from any Premier League club during that period.
United’s form has not only put Champions League qualification in their favour but raised home the red side of Manchester could even surpass second-placed Man City.
Pep Guardiola’s side remain Arsenal’s biggest rival for the Premier League title but successive draws against Nottingham Forest and West Ham has seen them slip nine points behind the Gunners.
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Manchester United caretaker boss Michael Carrick (Picture: Getty)
Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said: ‘For Michael going in there [to Manchester United], imagine if someone told you they would be sitting comfortably in third place and potentially could they catch Man City for second place?
‘What he’s done has been incredible, he’s winning games and the players look happy. He’s put United in pole position to get a Champions League spot.’
Asked whether Carrick should be awarded with the permanent Manchester United job at the end of the season, Rooney added: ‘100% he should.
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‘I knew this was going to happen with Michael Carrick. I know him very well. I know his character and his personality.
‘It needed a calm head, but someone who knows the place. The players needed some love, and he has given them that.
‘We have seen the players play with more quality, more together as a team, and they look like a very strong team. Why would you change?’
Carrick was asked about Rooney’s public endorsement after Manchester United’s victory over Aston Villa.
‘There’s not that much noise, is there?’ he said. ‘I don’t mean Wayne, I just mean in general.
‘It’s only noise if you listen to it. It doesn’t affect me one bit, to be honest. I’m in this position at the moment, doing the best I can, and I’m loving it, obviously.
‘But whatever’s going to happen is going happen. It’s all pretty calm. We can definitely enjoy the win and look forward to Friday night. But other than that, that’s all I’m thinking about really.’
Manchester United will look to continue their impressive form on Friday night when Carrick takes his side to Bournemouth.
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