Michael Carrick was ultimately named the Manchester United head coach ahead of the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with the former player impressing the club's bosses in discussions
Several of Michael Carrick's coaching qualities ultimately landed him the Man Utd gig
Several of Michael Carrick's coaching qualities ultimately landed him the Man Utd gig(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Michael Carrick scored highly in three areas that Manchester United bosses were looking at with his knowledge of the current players helping him land the head coach role until the end of the season.
The former midfielder was up against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ruud van Nistelrooy as the club sought someone to take charge of the team for the coming months following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. Carrick, an assistant at Old Trafford previously, impressed Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada in person.
During their discussions it became clear that Carrick had good intel and detail about the squad members. That no doubt owing to his spell at the club where he worked with a number of them, including Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot.
His ability to lead a team was also cited as a major plus, reports the Daily Mail. Carrick had spent almost three years in charge of Middlesbrough and thus taking the major role isn't new to him, even if it will now be on a far greater scale in Manchester.
Finally Carrick's willingness to work collaboratively was something that attracted the United hierarchy. It is well documented that Amorim wanted more influence at Old Trafford, taking issue with his head coach title as he sought more of a managerial role - which ultimately cost him. Carrick has already been informed that he will need to work with what he's got in Manchester.
Despite being on the shortlist Van Nistelrooy, unlike Solskjer and Carrick, didn't get to meet the club's bosses face-to-face. He had an caretaker spell after Erik ten Hag was sacked last season and is known by the hierarchy, thus they didn't feel the need to meet him again.
The two senior executives did sit down with Sir Alex Ferguson for coffee at Carrington last Tuesday, just 24 hours after Amorim was given his marching orders, and sought his advice about what should come next. Ferguson is said to have endorsed Carrick, a player he signed from Tottenham.
Michael Carrick got the nod ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Michael Carrick got the nod ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer(Image: PA)
View 2 Images
Additional discussions with Carrick involved who would work underneath him. The new head coach is close to Jonny Evans, another former player who will now work with in the coaching staff. He also wanted Jonathan Woodgate, his former assistant at Middlesbrough, with the duo having a close bond and a good working relationship. They drove to training together on Wednesday.
None of them had worked with Steve Holland, the ex-England assistant in the past, but it was felt that the former Chelsea coach had a skillset and the experience that would be beneficial in the new set-up.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
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