Ex-United ace Carrick lands Boro job in first full-time managerial role

Michael Carrick says he cannot wait to get started after being appointed as the new Middlesbrough manager.

Carrick, 41, takes over the North East club who sit 21st in the Championship table, a point clear of the drop zone.

The former England and Manchester United midfielder replaces ex-boss Chris Wilder, who was sacked earlier this month.

Carrick's first game at the helm will be Saturday's trip to Preston.

On taking the role, he said: "I’m really excited to be here and to be part of a club with such a deep history and tradition.

"Middlesbrough was the first professional club I played for as a nine-year-old boy, so it’s a very special feeling to be back here as a head coach.

"Growing up in the North East myself I’m fully aware of what football means to people.

"It’s a real privilege for me to be in this position and to feel all the passion and enthusiasm you’ve got for the game and for Boro.

"I’ll give everything to help develop the team and keep moving the club forward and make you the supporters proud. I can’t wait to get started."

Carrick is taking on his first full-time managerial role but gained experience as Red Devils caretaker in the wake of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal last year.

He won two of three games and stepped down having masterminded a 3-2 victory over Arsenal as Ralf Rangnick took over for the rest of the season.

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson was delighted to have brought the five-time Premier League winner to the Riverside.

He said: "We’re delighted to welcome Michael to the club.

"We had identified a number of potentials for the vacancy who we spoke with, and were impressed by all, but Michael was the outstanding candidate.

"Michael has the same values as the club, and we are very much aligned in our ambitions.

"We see Michael as the perfect fit for us and he believes this is the right club at the right time."

Ex-England and Boro defender Jonathan Woodgate, who also managed the side between June 2019 and June 2020, has also been confirmed as Carrick's first-team coach.