Michael Carrick should get the Manchester United job permanently if they qualify for the Champions League, according to club legend Wayne Rooney.
United can pull three points clear in third if they beat fourth-placed Aston Villa on Sunday – live on Sky Sports.
Both clubs are separated only by goal difference with Chelsea and Liverpool three points behind and also in action on Sky Sports this weekend.
Carrick was brought in on a contract until the end of the season but the team’s form since he took charge, six wins from eight and only one defeat, has put him firmly in the conversation.
“If they get Champions League football, [Carrick] should get the job and puts himself in pole position,” Rooney said on The Overlap’s Stick To Football.
United’s all-time leading scorer feels confident his former club can qualify, but is concerned about Villa slipping away.
“City, Arsenal and United will finish top three,” Rooney added.
“I’m not sure on Villa. I think Chelsea and Liverpool will get top five and Villa will [miss out].”
