Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick admits links to replacing David Moyes as manager of West Ham United are ‘pleasing’. But he is ‘loving’ his time at the Riverside Stadium so far.
Reports by 90min, which quotes the Boro coach, have cited the 41-year-old as a name on the Irons’ radar. A number of teams have taken an interest in Carrick having watched him turn a disappointing season around for Middlesbrough since he took charge last October.
Carrick replaced Chris Wilder at the helm on Teesside with Boro 21st in the Championship after 16 games. Yet Middlesbrough now rank in third and are just seven points behind the automatic promotion places through 35 games. Now, he may replace Moyes at West Ham.
West Ham United now admire Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick
Only Burnley (48) have claimed more points than Middlesbrough (43) have in the second-tier since Boro appointed Carrick. He has also overseen 14 wins and just the one draw through 19 games in charge. While the Teesside outfit have scored 42 goals and conceded only 19.
Middlesbrough’s successes have seen West Ham now show an interest in Carrick possibly replacing Moyes as their manager. The 59-year-old remains under pressure at the London Stadium with the Irons 16th in the Premier League table through 25 games with 23 points.
Moyes failing to steer West Ham clear of the relegation zone could see Carrick emerge as a real candidate. The Times also cites the Middlesbrough boss as one manager who might be an option for the Irons. The Hammers currently only sit one point above the bottom three.
What has Michael Carrick said on replacing David Moyes at the London Stadium?
Yet while interest from West Ham is flattering, Carrick is happy with his life as the manager of Middlesbrough. He believes the Riverside natives have an exciting project underfoot and is eager to see how this season ends. Nor will he let the reports of interest be a distraction.
“I’m delighted to be here, why wouldn’t I be?” Carrick said. “We’ve got a terrific club and a terrific group of players and I’m loving working with them. I’m looking forward to a big end to the season.
“In some ways, it’s pleasing but to be honest, I don’t really listen to it or watch it. It’s not something that really bothers me… What goes on, on the outside, goes on, on the outside.
“Over the years, I’ve kind of hardened myself to that. I don’t tend to pay too much attention to it. I obviously know what’s going on. But I’m just loving being here at the moment with the players and staff and the club in a really good place.”
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