Michael Carrick Discusses Managerial Future Amid Manchester United and Rangers Speculation

Michael Carrick, the former Manchester United midfielder, has shared his thoughts on a potential return to management. At 44, Carrick was dismissed from his role as Middlesbrough’s head coach in June and has since been connected with managerial positions at Manchester United and Rangers.

Carrick’s Current Stance on Management

In a recent interview with the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong, Carrick expressed a relaxed attitude about re-entering the managerial scene. He stated, “I’m kind of chilled and calm about returning to management.” He emphasized the unpredictability of management opportunities and mentioned, “I’m enjoying time at home with the family at the moment.”

Background and Achievements

Carrick briefly served as Manchester United’s caretaker manager in November 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s departure. His debut match led to a 2-0 victory against Villarreal, highlighted by late goals from Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo. During his short tenure, Carrick remained unbeaten across three matches, including a notable 3-2 win against Arsenal.

Following his time at United, Carrick took over as Middlesbrough’s head coach, where he maintained a win rate of 46% over three seasons. However, he parted ways with the club in June 2023.

Current Speculations

As Manchester United faces mounting pressure on manager Ruben Amorim, Carrick’s name has surfaced as a possible successor. Amorim has struggled with a dismal record of ten wins in 34 games, marking the lowest win percentage for a United manager since World War II.

Rangers Job Opportunity

The Rangers are also searching for a new manager, following the departure of Russell Martin on October 5, 2023. Martin’s tenure lasted just 123 days, making it the shortest in the club’s history. Although Steven Gerrard has declined interest in the role, Carrick remains a contender for the Ibrox position.

Challenges at Rangers

• Rangers hold a single win from their first seven league matches this season.
• The club is under pressure to improve performance and results.
• Former player Kevin Muscat, who has managerial experience in Japan, is the current favorite for the position.

As speculation about his future continues, Carrick seems more focused on enjoying time away from the game. The next few months may reveal whether he will step back into football management.