"Keane Would Have Been Obvious Choice" — Murphy Reflects On United Snub While Backing Rosenior's Chelsea Bold Move

Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports , former Liverpool and England star Danny Murphy has given his thoughts on Liam Rosenior's managerial credentials and whether he is the right man to unlock Cole Palmer's potential.

Murphy has also discussed the managerial turmoil at Old Trafford describing Michael Carrick as the "standout" choice but argues that another club icon's outspoken style likely ruled him out for a return to his former club and reflects on the career of Danny Welbeck following his goal last weekend.

Elsewhere, he debated where Bruno Fernandes best position is, the future of Kobbie Mainoo, whether Rashford could return to the club and namechecks the one man who could be perfect to bring glory back to the club.

Chelsea

Roseniors Credentials

I've worked with Liam Rosenior in the media and met him quite a few times. He's an impressive, determined guy. You can hear his determination in his words and feel his enthusiasm and appreciation for the job, which is a positive sign. There's no guarantee for success for any manager going into a big football club because it's so competitive, with so many good teams you're trying to overcome.

I really hope that Chelsea's braveness in appointing a young English manager is rewarded. Very rarely do young English managers get this type of opportunity, especially ones who weren't big-name players, club legends, or anything like that. They've taken a risk because he is quite inexperienced as a manager, we know that. Chelsea's norm in years gone by wasn't to go for someone like this; they always went for the best in class. So, inevitably, there is a question mark over whether it's going to work.

However, I think it could work really well. He's already had the same scenario in terms of working with lots of young players who need coaching, and he is a coach, more than a manager.

He's walking into a group of super-talented young players. While one or two might be a little bit difficult if they're not playing for long, the reality is that a younger group of players generally all want to have a good career, play, learn, and get better. That's very different from walking into a dressing room of 29 or 31-year-old internationals who are comfortable and confident in themselves and can be problematic if they're not playing.

I think that's a really good thing for him. I don't think he's going to have too many problems in that respect. He has a wonderful opportunity to do something really special. We'll have to wait and see, of course, as there are no guarantees, but I think it's a bold move from Chelsea, and of course, there's risk involved, but I really hope it works for him.

Will Rosenior Help Palmer?

I think because Cole Palmer is so good and so special, you've really got to try and focus on making sure he's comfortable in the set-up, whatever position that is. Whether it's tucked in off the right, whether you play him as a ten, or as a third midfielder, whatever you want to call it, he is a game-changer for them. He's got that something different that none of the others have. He's had the injury; he's only just come back, so you have to have some patience with him. Let's let him get up to speed.

But I've got no doubt in my mind that Rosenior is going to prioritise getting the best out of Palmer and making sure the team works for him, not the other way around. He's not going to fit him in somewhere just because he's called Palmer. He's going to try and create a setup where he can get the best out of him in the attacking areas because he's the one who wins games, makes things happen, creates chances, and scores goals. And I think he'll do that.

I don't see any manager or any coach who does their homework and watches Chelsea of the last two seasons or 18 months, not prioritising getting the best out of him because he's the one in your team who's going to be the standout. Moving forward, he's going to be the most important player.

Man Utd

Carrick Was The “Standout” Choice

I played with Michael temporarily at Spurs, and what I like about him, and we've seen it in his management career and the way he conducts himself in the media, is that he's very calm. He's not too emotional, and I think United need that now. I think it's good that they're going for someone who's got that demeanour, that Manchester United history, and was very, very successful as a player at the club.

He understands what's needed at Manchester United, which, at the moment, I think is important. Some people are going against that and saying, ‘Just go and get the best in class.’ I actually think it's really important that the man coming in understands the club, which he obviously does. So, I think that's probably the safest move they can make at the moment.

I don't think it's unambitious. I don't think it's something that should be overly criticised. If you want to get the best manager possible, take your time and wait till other people might become available in the summer. There are managers who are going to finish their World Cup campaigns, whether it be Thomas Tuchel or Mauricio Pochettino. I think it makes sense, and Carrick's actually been in work fairly recently, did a good job at Middlesbrough, and wants to play football the right way, which the United fans want to see.

I think it's the standout choice. I mean, they could have been really brave and gone for a Roy Keane. I think that would have been something that would have benefited them in terms of bringing people together, and he's probably more of a leader in that respect. But no, I think Carrick's a good option, really good.

Keane Return?

I think with Roy Keane, I don't think it's a risk from a football perspective. He's managed a lot, been an assistant, and is a bit calmer these days. However, I think the hierarchy was more in fear of him speaking out and saying whatever he wants against them, not being in unison with the club, whereas Michael Carrick will be.

I think that could have been managed, though. You have a conversation with him, go through those things, and find a solution. You ask him to deal with those things a bit more diplomatically. He's an older man now, and I don't think he's as emotional or overly passionate as he once was.

For me, he was an obvious choice because of how it would galvanise the supporters. I think the players would get a boost, and they'd probably get a kick up the backside as well, which some of them need. But it's unrealistic now; he hasn't even been mentioned, so I think they've dismissed that. If you dismiss that because you know it's not going to happen, the reality is Carrick is probably the best option.

Welbeck’s Career

I think that Danny Welbeck has done brilliantly. However, there’s no reason to think he would have made a difference to Manchester United over the last couple of years. I think they'd still be in the same position because it's not about the centre forward. There are so many factors as to why United have been poor. Manchester United's biggest problem for a long time has been defensively. I think they're the third or fourth top scorers in the Premier League. They're not struggling for goals.

It's just an easy thing to say because Danny was at the club, 'they could do with him, why did they let him go?' The reality is that's not their problem. They concede too many goals; they don't defend well enough. And at the moment, actually, the last couple of games, Benjamin Sesko has started scoring. Whether Welbeck gets in the team or not, maybe, but the reality is United's problems aren't about the chances and goals. Their defensive issues are what's killing them at the moment.

Transfer Talk

Fernandes Position

Bruno Fernandes played further forward at Burnley and again against Brighton, which made him look more dangerous. He created a wonderful assist at Burnley and generally created a lot of chances. I think it's common sense. Why would you play him in a deeper role when you have players like Casemiro or Kobbie Mainoo who are good on the ball?

Bruno Fernandes is a game-changer; he scores, assists, creates chances, and is brave. You want him high up the pitch, and no incoming manager is going to play him deep unless they have injuries. In the last couple of games, he's looked more comfortable when playing further up.

He's a talented footballer, but defensively, when he's in a number six position, he's vulnerable because it's not his game. I thought his performance against Burnley was terrific, and even though they lost to Brighton, he was still the one trying to make things happen. I don't think Michael Carrick will consider playing him deeper either. I think Bruno's days of playing that deeper role are over.

Mainoo Decision

You don't pick players to appease the fans, but you want to feel like you're giving people equal opportunity to try and impress. Ruben Amorim, for some reason, was just not giving Kobbie Mainoo opportunities, which is unusual because he is a super talent.

I know he said he was competing with Bruno Fernandes, but he's played central midfield for his country. He's played central midfield for Manchester United in big games and shown that he can do the other side of it. Okay, he needs to work a little bit on his defensive side, but the fact that he was completely disregarded was really strange from Amorim.

Now, I don't see him train. I don't know his attitude, so I can't comment on that. But I think he did alright against Brighton. I think he obviously needs three or four games to find his feet and get his game legs, they call it, the fitness and the sharpness. But I think under Michael Carrick, if he gets the job, we'll see a lot more of Mainoo because he's just such a tidy footballer. He's got so much ability. You find it strange that somebody like Manuel Ugarte has been picked so often ahead of him.

I know different managers and coaches see players in different roles, but I think Mainoo can do everything Ugarte can do and more. So I've got no doubt we're going to see much more of him. He'll be one of the players delighted at the managerial change. You always get that at a football club. You'll get some players really disappointed and some who just breathe a big sigh of relief, and he'll be so excited to get started, to get playing again.

Could Rashford Return?

I don't think Michael Carrick, or whoever gets the job, will be able to influence the club to change their approach on Marcus Rashford. I think he's had his chances and opportunities. Also, the fanbase has generally turned on him a little bit. I think he's too far gone. Even if he doesn't get the Barcelona move, a move somewhere else will benefit him. He looks like he's playing with freedom.

I even saw him come off the bench against Real Madrid, and he looked so sharp, expressing himself and appearing like a different player. I think his days at United are over, regardless of who is in charge.

Enrique Would Delight United Fans!

If there's an opportunity to get Luis Enrique, absolutely, Manchester United have to go for it. He's a top coach, plays the right way, is really attack-minded, and demands a lot from his players. He'd need a revamp of the squad to play the way he does with the PSG team, but he's obviously one of the best coaches out there. So, yes, if there's even a 1% chance he won't sign a new deal, jump on it and try to get him.

The appeal of United is still there for any top manager. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and if you can be the man to get them back on top and competing again, you're going to be idolised. I think that's a challenge someone like Enrique would relish. Thomas Tuchel, even, is another top coach who is supposed to finish after the World Cup.

Maybe Tuchel is a bit more confrontational, willing to speak his mind and go against the grain at the clubs he's been at, so that might be off-putting for the hierarchy at Manchester United, whereas Enrique seems to get on with it. But yes, there's not a United fan anywhere that wouldn't be delighted with Enrique.

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