Michael Carrick set to land Middlesbrough job in first full-time manager’s role since Manchester United exit

Michael Carrick is reportedly poised to be named as the new Middlesbrough head coach. The former Manchester United midfielder enjoyed 12 years at the top with the Reds, lifting five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy among many other pieces of silverware.

The 41-year-old briefly enjoyed a short term as United caretaker boss after the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November. He remained undefeated in his three games, masterminding wins over Arsenal and Villarreal, also earning a respectable draw with Chelsea.

He left his post, and the club, when Ralf Rangnick arrived as interim boss towards the end of November. Middlesbrough sacked Chris Wilder in October after a horrendous start to the season.

Boro won just two of their opening 11 Championship matches and found themselves in the bottom three despite a strong end to the last campaign. Carrick was touted as a strong contender for the role but in recent weeks, the club had looked to be going in a different direction.

Former midfielder Lee Cattermole, who works within the academy, was at one stage tipped to be the favourite while the Times adds that the club had interviewed ex-Watford manager Rob Edwards, who was shown the door at Vicarage Road last month.

But it says that Carrick is now braced to land the role and could be in the dugout in Saturday’s visit of Huddersfield after seemingly initially ruling himself out of the race. Carrick was said to be the club’s number-one choice and fresh talks indicate Boro may end up getting their man.

TeessideLive previously claimed that he would bring in former United figures Mike Phelan and Rene Meulensteen as members of his backroom staff when appointed.