Tomasz Kuszczak on Wayne Rooney's Plymouth exit, Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough, Man United target Anthony Patterson | OneFootball

Tomasz Kuszczak has been speaking exclusively to Football League World

There has been no shortage of Championship links to Manchester United this season, with plenty for those of an Old Trafford affinity to keep an eye in the EFL's top tier.

Wayne Rooney came and went at Plymouth Argyle, Michael Carrick is leading a promotion charge at Middlesbrough, and Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson appears to be on the Red Devils' radar.

Via 888sport, FLW quizzed former Man United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak, who made nearly 200 Championship appearances, about some of his former teammates and the Black Cats shot-stopper.

Wayne Rooney needs a break but Man United return makes sense

Rooney was a controversial appointment at Plymouth in the summer and it was a risk that did not pay off for the Greens.

The former England and Man United captain was sacked at the start of January with Argyle bottom of the Championship.

Having failed at Birmingham City before his ill-fated Home Park spell, it remains to be seen what his next move will be.

Kuszczak believes that while he needs a break, a return to Old Trafford in the future could make sense.

“I think Wayne will take some time out now to reflect on his coaching," he said.

“He has given it two goes now at Birmingham and Plymouth and he would have learnt a lot.

“You can see he has a massive passion for it, so I hope he can continue coaching in some capacity. To return to Man Utd would be brilliant for him, whether it be with the academy or strikers.”

While Rooney has struggled to make his mark in the Championship, Carrick has emerged as one of the second tier's most exciting young coaches.

In his first season in permanent management, the 43-year-old led the Teessiders to the play-offs. They fell just short last term but are battling for a top six spot again this term – with a return to the Premier League the dream for both Boro and the former Old Trafford midfielder.

“I hope he can," said Kuszczak when asked about whether Carrick will manage in the top flight. "He has learnt his trade well at Boro and still in the mix for pushing them to promotion this season.

“They are nicely positioned, so it will be an interesting second half of the season for him and Boro.

“Boro have been in and around the play-offs for a few seasons now so showing good consistency."

He added: “Returning to Man Utd, absolutely, he knows the club and this is very important to bring his winning mentality to the players, whether it be the young players coming through for as a coach to the first team.”

Sunderland's Anthony Patterson can play Premier League football

Patterson has turned heads in the Premier League after breaking through at Sunderland in recent years.

Man United are thought to be one of the top-flight clubs interested in the 24-year-old and Kuszczak believes he has what is needed to play at the top level.

“He is a good goalkeeper," he said. "Confident, assured, good with his feet, has good vision with the ball and commands his area.

“He has everything to push on and play higher up.

“My advice for him would be to give 100% every day, keep up your confidence, be proud to be a professional footballer and work hard at your game. His chance will come if he keeps on performing.”