Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick grew up as a boyhood Newcastle United supporter.
Michael Carrick has admitted to “keeping a close eye” on Newcastle United’s progress due to his hometown association.
Born and raised in Wallsend, the Manchester United boss grew up as a Toon fan. In 1995, the BBC did a special feature with a promising 14-year-old footballer dressed head to toe in black-and-white stripes.
That youngster was Carrick - who spent time at the Newcastle youth setup. However, at the time, the academy setup on Tyneside was an afterthought, with the former midfielder viewing a move to West Ham United as his best route to success.
Michael Carrick on Newcastle United and Eddie Howe
Later moves to Tottenham Hotspur - and especially Man United - allowed Carrick to become arguably the most decorated player from the region. At yesterday’s pre-match press conference, the 44-year-old noted how his connection to Newcastle gives him a solid understanding of what to expect.
Carrick also paid tribute to under-fire manager Eddie Howe. He told reporters: “A huge amount of respect for Eddie and his staff. I know some of them particularly well and, obviously being from there originally, it’s something I’ve kept a close eye on.
“He’s doing a great job, the levels of success and periods that he’s brought to that football club, and the feeling that he’s created around the whole area is incredible. So yeah, I just think he’s a top manager, top coach and he’ll continue having success, I’m sure.”
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Michael Carrick on Manchester United confidence
Since Carrick arrived as interim boss, Man United are the Premier League’s most in-form side. On the Red Devils’ new-found confidence, he added: “(We're) not looking too far ahead in terms of the games and where we're trying to get to. I think it’s really important that we stay present and keep our minds on the job. It’s an incredibly tough place to go to, to get a result (at) Newcastle.
“I’ve been there many times and know it well, so we’re fully aware of that. We haven’t had conversations about it (season aims), we’re not looking too far ahead. We understand where we are. I think it was a good step for us at the weekend there and there will obviously be a good boost that comes from that.
“Whether that’s energy-wise, whether that’s confidence-wise, and just total belief from it. But it doesn’t mean that we can start ifs and buts further down the line. I think we’re in a good position and I think we’ve earned it, the boys have earned it, and we’ve got to try to make the most from now on.”
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