Former Manchester United assistant manager and player Michael Carrick has been appointed as manager of Middlesbrough.
The 41-year-old worked with Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before being placed in caretaker charge of the Red Devils following the sacking of the Norwegian in November 2021.
Carrick three games in charge of the twenty-time league champions produced wins against Villarreal and Arsenal, and a draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The former midfield maestro spent 12 years as a player at Old Trafford having been signed by Sir Alex Ferguson from Tottenham Hotspur.
United’s former number 16 won 18 trophies during his time at the Theatre of Dreams, including the Champions League and five Premier League titles.
Michael Carrick appointed as Middlesbrough manager
“We’re delighted to welcome Michael to the club,” said Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson.
“We had identified a number of potentials for the vacancy who we spoke with, and were impressed by all, but Michael was the outstanding candidate.
“Michael has the same values as the club, and we are very much aligned in our ambitions.
“We see Michael as the perfect fit for us and he believes this is the right club at the right time.”
Carrick, who called time on his playing career in 2018, has reacted to taking his first managerial position.
“I’m really excited to be here and to be part of a club with such a deep history and tradition,” said Carrick.
“Middlesbrough was the first professional club I played for as a nine-year old boy, so it’s a very special feeling to be back here as a head coach.
“Growing up in the north-east myself I’m fully aware of what football means to people. It’s a real privilege for me to be in this position and to feel all the passion and enthusiasm you’ve got for the game and for Boro.
“I’ll give everything to help develop the team and keep moving the club forward and make you the supporters proud.
“I can’t wait to get started.”
The 34-time former England international will be joined by Jonathan Woodgate as First Team Coach with a further appointment expected.
Carrick could well reunite with Mike Phelan at the Riverside Stadium.
Despite still being employed by United, any attempts by Boro to appoint Phelan as part of Carrick’s backroom team will not be blocked by Manchester United, according to The Athletic.
Phelan coached Carrick for seven seasons at United and the pair worked together under Solskjaer for another three years.
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