McCarthy’s interest is more than a speculative application. The report says he described a return to Blackburn in another role as an honour and stressed that he would do everything possible to help the club grow and push towards the Premier League.
That emotional connection matters. McCarthy’s playing career took him through Porto and Ajax, but he reportedly regards Blackburn as the place where he felt most at home. His family also maintains links with the club, adding weight to a public declaration that might otherwise look like routine managerial lobbying.
Blackburn’s recent struggles give the comments extra significance. The club reportedly narrowly avoided relegation last season, used Michael O’Neill on an interim basis and then brought Tony Mowbray back into the dugout.
McCarthy is not presenting himself as the safest option. His managerial experience remains limited, with previous work in South Africa and with the Kenya national team, although his time on the Manchester United coaching staff has given him exposure to a high-level environment.
His wider argument is that clubs can become too cautious when selecting managers. Established names may offer familiarity, but they do not guarantee progress. For McCarthy, a bold appointment could restore momentum at Blackburn.
He pointed to Vincent Kompany as evidence that emerging coaches deserve a serious opportunity. Kompany guided Burnley back to the Premier League before earning a move to Bayern Munich, a path McCarthy reportedly believes shows what trust can unlock.
Whether Blackburn would choose such an adventurous route is another question. McCarthy’s candidacy would carry clear risks, but it would also offer identity, ambition and a manager with a genuine emotional bond to the club.
The next major storyline will be Blackburn’s approach to its next managerial decision. If the club decides experience is no longer enough, McCarthy appears ready to answer the call immediately.