West Ham United will not launch the offensive to appoint 43-year-old Manchester United icon and Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick to replace Julen Lopetegui.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Michael Carrick is the subject of interest from West Ham United. Sporting director Mark Noble is driving the East London club’s move for the Manchester United icon amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Julen Lopetegui. However, David Sullivan has ruled out a deal for the 43-year-old Middlesbrough boss.
Michael Carrick and his journey so far
Michael Carrick has seen his stock soar since entering the managerial sphere a few years ago. A native of Wallsend, the Englishman graduated from the youth division at West Ham United and represented well-known Premier League clubs throughout his professional career, including a legendary stint with Manchester United between 2006 and 2018.
Carrick entered the managerial sphere in 2021, taking temporary charge of Manchester United after the Red Devils parted ways with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer midway through the 2021/22 season. The 43-year-old was already part of the coaching staff at Manchester United for several years, honing his skills under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer.
However, Carrick’s first permanent job came with Middlesbrough, with the EFL Championship club appointing him midway through the 2022/23 season. Since then, the English tactician has seen his stock soar, managing a win rate of over 50 per cent, with Boro showing promise under his tutelage. Carrick’s progress has alerted West Ham United.
West Ham return on the horizon?
West Ham United’s interest in Michael Carrick is understandable. The Hammers are scouring the market for a manager amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Julen Lopetegui. With the Spanish tactician struggling to take West Ham to the next level since replacing David Moyes, the pressure is mounting on him.
Lopetegui’s failure to turn his team’s fortunes around might see them going into the relegation dogfight. So, several candidates, including Graham Potter, are on West Ham United’s radar, with Carrick also a viable target. However, a deal for the 43-year-old Englishman will unlikely see the light of day.
While sporting director Mark Noble is an admirer of Carrick’s style, David Sullivan has ruled out a deal for the Manchester United icon. So, West Ham will look elsewhere, with the English tactician not arriving at the London Stadium next year.