Michael Carrick is set to be announced as the new Middlesbrough head coach after agreeing personal terms with the Championship club, marking his first step into full-time management since leaving Manchester United last year.
The former Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup winner will sign his contract with Boro imminently after being identified as the club’s successor to Chris Wilder.
Carrick initially indicated he wouldn’t accept the position due to issues relating to backroom staff and transfers, but those problems have now been resolved with the 41-year-old set for his debut stint in the second division dugout.
Boro have been searching for a new boss since sacking former Sheffield United chief Wilder at the start of October, taking time to find the suitable candidate as Leo Percovich took interim charge.
He has been out of work since leaving his position as Man United’s interim manager after succeeding Ole Gunnar Soksjaer in the position with Carrick taking control of the Premier League giants for three games at the end of 2021.
The Englishman is keen to call on his experience at Old Trafford and wants to bring Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistants Mike Phelan and Rene Muelensteen to the club as part of his coaching set up.
Contracts for Carrick’s backroom staff are in the process of being drawn up, as reported by Sky Sports.
His first match in charge of Middlesbrough could come as early as Saturday when they host fellow league strugglers Huddersfield, knowing victory could move them out of the relegation zone.
Carrick was unbeaten in his temporary role at United, overseeing a Champions League victory over Villareal, beating Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the Premier League, and holding their own in a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
As a player Carrick endured tremendous success playing under Sir Alex, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and Jose Mourinho. Retiring from playing in 2018 at the age of 36.
He then immediately moved into management, joining Mourinho’s backroom team at the club and staying on to work under Solskjaer for two seasons.
Ralf Rangnick’s arrival in Manchester midway through last season saw Carrick depart in search of a new managerial role elsewhere.