Andy Mitten has revealed what has been said about Michael Carrick ahead of the Manchester United legend’s return to Old Trafford as the caretaker manager.
Michael Carrick has been out of management after his first – and only – managerial spell came to an end last summer, with Middlesbrough sacking the 44-year-old.
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However, the Manchester United legend is now set for a return to the managerial dugout and will take his place in the Old Trafford hotseat for the rest of the season.
Man Utd have agreed a deal with Carrick and the former Middlesbrough manager will provide Ineos with the space to scout the club’s next permanent head coach.
Ruben Amorim was sacked as United manager last week and Darren Fletcher was immediately appointed interim head coach until a caretaker boss was found.
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Manchester United legend Michael Carrick celebrates after the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane in 2023 in Sheffield, England.
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Andy Mitten opens up on Michael Carrick’s reputation after the Man Utd legend emerged ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick were tipped as the leading favourites to return to Manchester United in the short term as the Red Devils caretaker manager.
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Carrick came out ahead of former Man Utd teammate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the ex-Middlesbrough head coach’s reputation speaks volumes about him as a figure.
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Manchester United Coach Michael Carrick celebrates at the end of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on December 2, 2021
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“Michael Carrick is very well respected,” Andy Mitten said on BBC Radio 5 Live, as per BBC Sport.
The United We Stand editor added: “I spoke to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a couple of years ago and he predicted one day that his friend Michael Carrick would manage Manchester United, which seemed unusual at the time as Erik ten Hag was settled [as manager].”
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Why Michael Carrick became the Man Utd favourite for the caretaker role instead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
A second caretaker role for former United manager Solskjaer had been tipped as an early favourite option after Ruben Amorim was axed from Old Trafford last week.
“Ole was one of the two [spoken to],” Mitten continued.
“He spoke to United last Tuesday for the first time – United got in touch with him.
“He then met them on Saturday in Manchester, and he put over his ideas, his proposals and his plans for how United would play football.”
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Outside of his well-perceived reputation at Man Utd, another standout detail for Carrick was how he came across during his talks with the Red Devils management.
“But Michael Carrick made a very good impression when he met them on Thursday,” Mitten explained.
“I wouldn’t have minded the two of them working together, but I think Manchester United wanted one person to be the manager.
“Even when Ole met them last week, he spoke well of the other candidates – these are friends of his.”
Carrick’s caretaker managerial spell will kick off with a tough test against Manchester City in the Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
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