Michael Carrick is set to be named Manchester United's interim boss until the end of the season and he's keen to have Jonathan Woodgate join his coaching staff
Michael Carrick worked with Jonathan Woodgate at Middlesbrough
Michael Carrick worked with Jonathan Woodgate at Middlesbrough(Image: )
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Michael Carrick is keen to bring in Jonathan Woodgate as part of his coaching staff at Manchester United ahead of his interim spell at Old Trafford - which is set to be announced.
Carrick has beaten Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the race to lead the Red Devils for the remainder of the season and is already thinking about who could assist him. Ex-Leeds player Woodgate is among those on his radar, having worked with him previously.
But whilst Carrick is eyeing a reunion Sky Sports reports that United may not agree to hiring him on a short-term contract with the club very much looking to get to the end of the year before making a more long-term plan. It is understood that talks will continue over the make-up of the backroom staff.
There could be coaching role for Darren Fletcher after he took charge of the first-team on a caretaker basis for the games against Burnley and Brighton following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. He is already on the club's books and moving him into a different position would be relatively simple.
Woodgate played alongside United's sporting director Jason Wilcox at Elland Road during the early 2000s before the defender moved to Newcastle. Following his retirement the England international would take charge of Middlesbrough for several years and was later handed the main job at Bournemouth.
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Whilst on the south coast he led the Cherries to the play-offs, but lost in the semi-final to Brentford. He would return to Middlesbrough when Carrick was named as manager, working under him, but left upon his sacking and has been out of work since.
Woodgate would buck the trend of former United players working on the staff. For years the club has continued to turn to those who played at Old Trafford, the majority of them under Sir Alex Ferguson. That is a method that has drawn mixed reviews but Woodgate would be able to bring a fresh perspective and wouldn't have the connection to the club's former manager.
Jason Wilcox played with Jonathan Woodgate at Leeds
Jason Wilcox played with Jonathan Woodgate at Leeds(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
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Rooney is another former player to have thrown his hat into the ring with regards to joining Carrick backroom staff, insisting that the club would benefit from having those who've played at Old Trafford on the staff.
“Of course I would (take up a position if asked). I think it’s a no brainer if that’s the situation but I think what the club needs is people around the place. So whether that’s if Michael goes in for instance, Fletch or John O’Shea or myself or whoever it needs people around the club who know the football and Roy Keane, I think."
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