He totted-up more than 140 games for Leeds United after breaking through the club's academy.
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
10:45, 14 Jan 2026
Jonathan Woodgate during his Leeds days.
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Jonathan Woodgate has now crossed the divide to Old Trafford. (Image: Mike Finn Kelcey/Getty Images)
Former Leeds United defender Jonathan Woodgate has joined the backroom staff at Manchester United - having arrived at Old Trafford alongside interim boss Michael Carrick.
Woodgate made 140 appearances for Leeds between 1998 and 2003, having graduated from the club's academy at Thorp Arch. After moving on to Newcastle United, Woodgate famously joined Real Madrid before permanent spells at Tottenham Hotspur, Stoke City and Middlesbrough.
The 45-year-old then retired from playing in 2016 - having made 389 senior career appearances, earning eight caps for England and lifting the League Cup in 2008 at Spurs.
Woodgate then briefly worked as an overseas scout for Liverpool before becoming Middlesbrough assistant coach in March 2017, when caretaker manager Steve Agnew was their boss.
Having remained in the ranks of the club after Agnew's departure, Woodgate became Boro boss in 2019. He would only last a year in the role with just nine wins from 41 games.
He would take charge of AFC Bournemouth the following February - on a short-term contract until the end of the 2020/21 season - when he won April's Championship manager of the month.
After losing in the play-offs, Woodgate would not be kept on with Scott Parker replacing him. The link with Carrick comes from his time as his assistant at Middlesbrough between October 2022 and June 2025.
Rumours that he would follow his contemporary to Man Utd amid Carrick's interim employment as head coach were confirmed on Tuesday. Woodgate is joined by former England number two, Steve Holland, and former Red Devils defender Jonny Evans.
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