Michael Carrick has been out of work since leaving Middlesbrough in June, but the former Manchester United midfielder will not be rushing back into the dugout.
Regarded among the best Manchester United midfielders of the Sir Alex Ferguson era, Michael Carrick retired in 2018 before becoming a coach under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Carrick spent a short time as interim manager after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked, but he landed his first managerial role at Middlesbrough in October 2022. He spent three years at the club after turning the team around from languishing in 21st place in the Championship to becoming play-off hopefuls.
Middlesbrough finished in 10th place in the Championship last season, which led to Carrick’s dismissal.
Since then, Carrick has been linked with the United job on an interim basis, but he is currently in Hong Kong preparing to play in a Legends match on Saturday.
Michael Carrick ponders future in football management
Despite being out of a job, Carrick is not panicking about getting another job in the dugout.
Carrick, who won the Premier League five times as a player with United over 12 years, is now enjoying some time away from the competitive game.
The fact that Carrick is currently without a job will lead to speculation, especially with the Rangers job available, but the former England international is not planning to rush back into the dugout.
Carrick will only return to management if the right offer comes his way.
“I’m kind of chilled and calm about [returning to management],” Carrick told SCMP. “I think it’s very difficult to know when the next opportunity is coming.
“I might go back into football, there might be a job that’s right for me, there might not be for whatever reason. I’m enjoying time at home with the family at the moment, really enjoying it, actually.”
It would be great to see Carrick get an opportunity to manage in the Premier League, especially after coming so close with Middlesbrough.
Kieran McKenna not seeking Michael Carrick’s help
Former United coach Kieran McKenna takes his Ipswich Town side to Middlesbrough on Friday night, but he won’t be seeking any advice from Carrick on his former side.
Ipswich Town are currently 9th in the Championship table, while Middlesbrough are in second place.
“I’ve not tapped into him for any particular special insight,” McKenna said of Carrick, as quoted by the East Anglian Daily Times. “There’s so few secrets out there now.
“I’ve watched Middlesbrough many times and I know them really well. I know what they’re good at and what they’re not so good at.
“We’re nine games into the season now in the league, so we’ve had plenty of footage.
“I think they’ll know us well and it’s going to be a good battle on Friday night.”
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