Michael Carrick is set to be named Manchester United's interim head coach and will face Newcastle United, the club he supported as a boy, in the Premier League come March
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick is set to take over at Manchester United as interim head coach.(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
A few years ago, when Michael Carrick admitted he had 'dreamt' of representing Newcastle United in his playing days, he might not have imagined that he would one day face them as a head coach in the Premier League.
Now 44, he is poised to be named Manchester United's interim head coach until the end of the season, and a showdown with the Magpies is in the pipeline.
Carrick, born in Wallsend, came through the ranks at Wallsend Boys Club before developing into one of English football's standout midfielders. He began his managerial career in 2021, stepping in as caretaker manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure.
Despite his success elsewhere, Carrick grew up supporting Newcastle, and although the Magpies showed interest during his playing days, he later admitted it was 'not meant to be.'
In an interview with Match of the Day magazine in 2017, he said: "No, I think that's passed now. When I was a kid I was supporting Newcastle, I dreamt one day I would do but I count myself very fortunate to have played for Manchester United for so long.
"It's just one of those things where you can't have everything. If and when I finish here [Manchester United], that will probably be it I think."
Newcastle expressed interest in him at various points. When he left West Ham in 2004, Newcastle made enquiries, but he ultimately joined Tottenham Hotspur.
During his spell at Man United, former Newcastle boss Steve McClaren is understood to have urged the club to move for him when it appeared no new contract would be offered by Old Trafford officials.
"I wouldn't say it was a definite option, but there was certainly interest there, a discussion or two, but there was nothing really," Carrick added.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick during his time as manager of Middlesbrough(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
"It never got to a stage where a decision had to be made, it was just talks and nothing really happened. Its just one of them things, life throws up things but it just wasn't meant to be."
Although he never played for Newcastle, Carrick will return to St James' Park once more with an away team – this time as Man United's interim head coach when Eddie Howe's side host the Red Devils on March 4 (8pm), although this date and time is subject to TV scheduling, which is yet to be confirmed for March.
Carrick still holds fond memories of Newcastle, having grown up in Tyne and Wear with his entire family rooted in the area. "All my family is there, my mum and dad and brother," the 44-year-old previously revealed.
"All my friends I went to school with. I lived there till I was 16, my wife and kids, all my family are from Newcastle," the former Middlesbrough boss explained.
"It just made sense to give something back. I’m fortunate to be in a position to do that. As well as supporting charities and helping children in Manchester, it was a no-brainer to do something in Newcastle as well.
"I had such a good childhood myself growing up in Wallsend, so I saw it as the perfect opportunity to give something back."
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image