Wayne Rooney has urged Manchester United to appoint Michael Carrick as their permanent manager after the former midfielder's impressive interim spell. Carrick, who took charge for the remainder of the season in January, has guided United to seven wins in nine games, including a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa that kept them in third place.

Since his appointment, Carrick has matched the record of Sven Goran Eriksson, Carlo Ancelotti and Manuel Pellegrini with six straight home wins at the start of a Premier League managerial career. United's hierarchy plans to assess all options before making a summer decision, though minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has praised Carrick's work without committing to his future.

Captain Bruno Fernandes was instrumental in the Villa win, providing assists for both goals and reaching 100 Premier League assists for United. His 16 league assists this season have surpassed David Beckham's club record from 1999-2000. Veteran midfielder Casemiro also scored his seventh goal of the campaign, prompting chants of 'one more year' from fans despite his confirmed summer departure.