Michael Carrick’s emotional and unlikely Middlesbrough reunion could happen if he lands Man Utd job permanently

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Michael Carrick left Middlesbrough at the end of last season but suddenly became Manchester United head coach in January until the end of the season.

Manchester United have had a strong start under Michael Carrick, although it is also worth acknowledging that Middlesbrough are pushing for Premier League promotion in their first season without the 44-year-old in charge.

The Red Devils have won four of their first five matches under Carrick, with United drawing 1-1 against West Ham last time out.

While Middlesbrough came close to achieving promotion under Carrick, despite being in the bottom half of the Championship when he initially arrived at the Riverside Stadium, they missed out on the play-offs following a dip in form at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Prove me wrong: Michael Carrick has already shown enough to become permanent Man United manager.

13 points from 15 would be title winning form over a full season…

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That led to Carrick losing his job at Middlesbrough, though now his objective is to secure Champions League football at Old Trafford.

It’s a major step up, but Carrick has proven thus far that he is ready for managing in the Premier League.

Michael Carrick needs two things to happen for Middlesbrough reunion

In an ideal world for Carrick, a strong end to the season for United and Middlesbrough could lead to an unlikely reunion in the Premier League next term.

That would require Middlesbrough to gain promotion, which would see them return to the top flight for the first time since the 2016/17 campaign, when they were previously relegated to the Championship.

Middlesbrough are currently second in the Championship – one point adrift of leaders Coventry City and five points clear of Millwall in third place after playing 32 matches.

A strong finish to the season for United would see Carrick help the team secure Champions League qualification. That looks like a realistic objective as things stand, with the Red Devils currently sitting fourth in the league table.

As a result, Carrick would remain part of the conversation for the head coach role beyond this season, but United are not rushing any decisions on that front.

That is why it remains unlikely that Carrick will have a reunion with Middlesbrough next season.

There’s also a chance Carrick will warrant a club at another Premier League club if United pass on the opportunity to make him the first ex-player to get the role permanently since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

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Man Utd’s next five fixtures

United are back in action following a brief break on Monday night with a trip against Everton.

That will be when Carrick’s side attempt to get back to winning ways in the Premier League, or else they risk losing their place in the top four.

United will then host Crystal Palace after beating the Eagles 2-1 at Selhurst Park earlier this season.

That will be followed up with fixtures against Newcastle, Aston Villa and Bournemouth, which could prove more tricky for United.