On 29th January 2009, Norwich City signed Stockport left-back Michael Rose on loan until the end of the 2009/10 season. He came in as cover for the injured Adam Drury, Rose made his debut the following day scoring the winning goal in City's 2-1 win over Hartlepool

Born in Salford, Greater Manchester, Rose began his career as a trainee at Manchester United where he was released before making an appearance. He joined Conference club Chester City, moving on to Hereford United and then into the Football League with Yeovil Town, from where he spent spells on loan at Cheltenham Town and Scunthorpe United. In the summer of 2006 he agreed to join Stockport County on a two-year contract at the end of which he signed a one-year extension with the option of a further year.

Rose made 12 appearances during City's League One winning season.

During the 2010 pre-season, Rose was linked with a switch to Hartlepool but ended up signing for Swindon at the end of June 2010 on a free transfr and signed a two year contract. Unfortunately for Michael, Swindon were relegated on 25th April 2011 to League Two following a 3-1 defeat to Gary Megson's Sheffield Wednesday. Shortly afterwards Michael joined Colchester on a free transfer.

Despite making 24 appearances for Colchester in League One during the first half of the 2012/13 season, he was allowed to leave on a free transfer in January 2013. On 14th February 2012, he signed for Rochdale on non-contract terms.

Rochdale and Rose won promotion to League One on 26th April 2014.

Rochdale announced in early May 2016 that they would not be renewing Rose's contract when it expired at the end of the 2015/16 season.

Rose signed for Morecambe on 1st August 2016 on a one year deal. He had made a total of 484 appearances at the time of his move. Manager Jim Bentley told the club website: "His vast experience will be vital for us this season. He is an excellent addition to our squad." This was then extended for a further year. He was released by Morecambe shortly after the end of the 2017/18 season having made 96 appearances.

Rose remained in the North West signing for newly promoted League Two side Macclesfield on 20th July 2018.

Rose was released by Macclesfield on 9th June 2020. He had made 49 appearances for the Silkmen.

He signed for Northern Premier League side Warrington Town on 5th September 2020.