Wayne Rooney has made a bold prediction about Manchester United's managerial future, and it's one that will surely get fans talking. The club legend believes it's now a matter of "when rather than if" Michael Carrick takes over as the permanent manager at Old Trafford.

Rooney's confidence comes after Carrick guided the Red Devils to a crucial 10th win since stepping into the dugout in mid-January. That milestone victory came on Sunday against arch-rivals Liverpool—a result that not only secured a first league double over the Merseyside club in a decade but also confirmed Champions League football will return to Old Trafford next season.

When Carrick took charge, the task was clear: qualify for Europe's elite competition. United had already been eliminated from both cup competitions early on, making the Premier League finish the sole focus. It hasn't been an easy road—with just three games left, teams as low as 13th are still battling for a top-four spot. Yet Carrick has delivered under pressure, orchestrating wins against the league's top sides, including Arsenal and Manchester City, in addition to Liverpool.

For context, City have since won the League Cup and are in the FA Cup final, while Arsenal are chasing their first league title in over two decades and recently advanced to the Champions League final. Neither could get the better of Carrick's United.

It's no surprise the former midfielder has strong backing from the fanbase. His record since returning to the club for a second stint speaks volumes. Rooney, his former teammate, rallied behind him again this morning, telling BBC Sport: "It's when [Carrick gets the job] rather than if, I think."

Rooney added: "Just because he's a young, English lad, and sometimes that's not always the right way to look in many people's eyes, but Michael Carrick is a clever person. He's a really good coach."