Leeds United icon Jonathan Woodgate could reportedly be offered a coaching role at Manchester United.
Widely regarded as one of Leeds’ greatest academy products, Woodgate amassed 140 appearances for the Whites between 1998 and 2003.
Woodgate later represented the likes of Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur before hanging up his boots.
Jonathan Woodgate assisted Michael Carrick during his Middlesbrough reign.placeholder image
Jonathan Woodgate assisted Michael Carrick during his Middlesbrough reign. | George Wood/Getty Images
Jonathan Woodgate linked with Manchester United
With Carrick now in the running to become interim head coach at Manchester United, it has been suggested Woodgate could be reunited with him at Old Trafford.
Writing on the Sky Sports transfer centre live blog, correspondent Rob Dorsett said: “Michael Carrick is keen for his former assistant at Middlesbrough, Jonathan Woodgate, to join him on the coaching staff at Manchester United.
“It's not clear as yet whether United are prepared to agree to Carrick's wishes in terms of giving a short-term contract to the former Leeds United defender, while talks continue over the make-up of the backroom staff.
“It is possible there is a coaching role for Darren Fletcher, who has his last game in charge of the first team against Brighton in the FA Cup.
“Talks between Carrick's representatives and United - led by director of football Jason Wilcox - are advancing, with an announcement about the interim role possible as soon as Tuesday.”
Michael Carrick set for Manchester United return
The Red Devils are in desperate need of someone capable of steadying the ship, having slipped to seventh in the Premier League table.
Jonathan Woodgate made 140 appearances for Leeds United.placeholder image
Jonathan Woodgate made 140 appearances for Leeds United. | Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Carrick has a strong reputation in coaching circles, although was axed by Middlesbrough back in the summer. He also has a strong connection to Manchester United having spent the bulk of his playing career in Sir Alex Ferguson’s midfield.
In each of his last two campaigns as Middlesbrough boss, he had failed to book the club a place in the Championship play-offs. He was succeeded by Rob Edwards, who only spent a short period at the Riverside before departing for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Middlesbrough are now under the control of Kim Hellberg, who has shown promise in the early days of his Riverside reign.