Ray Parlour says he disagrees with those who believe Michael Carrick should replace Julen Lopetegui at West Ham.
Carrick, who played for West Ham, Tottenham and Manchester United during his playing career, is currently managing one of Parlour’s former clubs Middlesbrough. Asked by Football League World about the chances of the Boro boss making the switch to the London Stadium, Parlour said:
“I still think Michael Carrick needs to continue to impress in the Championship before he can be considered for a Premier League job.”
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“There have been ups and downs over the past few seasons, but Carrick seems to have a team that can compete in the top six of the league this season. I think he has unfinished business this season and will want to aim to get Boro promoted.”
Lopetegui is under pressure after another damaging defeat
The 5-2 home loss to Arsenal at the weekend has raised more questions about the current manager’s future. Lopetegui was given a stay of execution after a good result against Newcastle last week.
However, the manner of the defeat in the London derby on Saturday evening was concerning. It has been reported that, once again, the Spaniard has two games (against Leicester and Wolves) to save his job.
Who are among the favourites to become the next West Ham manager?
As mentioned, Carrick has been tipped by some pundits, but the club are believed to have sounded out other coaches, including ex-Benfica boss Rogers Schmidt, former Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand and Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness.
The likes of Graham Potter and Edin Terzic have also been tipped as contenders for the job if the Irons do decide to dispense with the services of Lopetegui over the coming days and weeks.
Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here