Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has tipped Michael Carrick to become the manager of Manchester United on a full-time basis in the future.
Following Solskjaer’s dismissal from United last season, Carrick presided over four games as the team’s interim manager.
The former midfielder initially hesitated to accept the position, the Norwegian revealed.
Carrick on Solskjaer
“I love him as a person, but even though he never mentioned it to me, I went to see him the day I got fired and told him: “I’m gone, they want you to take over,” he said in an interview with The Athletic.
“I pleaded with him to carry out my request. Michael approached me after ten days and admitted, “I don’t want to do this.”
Following Ralf Rangnick’s appointment as interim manager in December 2021, Carrick left the Red Devils.
In October 2022, the former England midfielder assumed management of Middlesborough. Prior to Carrick taking over as manager, the team was ranked 21st in the Championship; he has since led them to the playoffs.
After a promising start to life in the dugout, Carrick’s former teammate and colleague has given him the go-ahead to take over the position at Old Trafford in the future.
“Michael will manage Manchester United, if he so chooses,” according to Solskjaer, who expressed his confidence.
“If I were a player, I’d want him as my manager because he wouldn’t be irrational. He is clear about his goals.
“He asks for respect and puts in a lot of effort, but he also reciprocates.”
In order to compete at Wembley on May 27 Middlesbrough must first defeat Coventry in the playoff semifinals. The winner of the matchup between Luton and Sunderland will then face Middlesbrough.
