When attempting to analyse the changes that Michael Carrick would potentially introduce at Middlesbrough, it has to be mentioned that we are dealing with a very small sample size. The former England international has only even taken charge of a senior team on three occasions; that short-lived spell as Manchester United’s caretaker boss a year ago, sandwiched between the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
But Boro fans can get a better idea as to what to expect from Carrick – who the Northern Echo say is their preferred candidate to take over from Chris Wilder – by glancing through what he told the FA’s official website back in 2020.
“Spaces to attack is really my main focus when watching the games. Whether that’s looking at how to attack when the goalkeeper has got the ball, where the space is and how we can build-up through the pitch,” Carrick said.
Possession and patience
As you might expect, given how one of the Premier League’s most underrated midfielders played the game during his Old Trafford heyday, Carrick the coach appears to favour a patient, possession-based approach. That should align neatly with the squad he could potentially inherit on the Riverside. Boro, after all, are currently fifth in the Championship table for average possession per game (56 per cent, WhoScored).
Carrick, an intelligent and considered character, is understood to be an impressive man-manager too. His vast experience and excellent communication skills could help instigate an immediate upturn in form from a Middlesbrough roster far more talented than their current league position would suggest.
“It is very easy to learn from him. If he tells you something, it is so easy to pick it up because you understand it straight away,” former United midfielder Andreas Pereira once told Sky Sports. “I am very lucky he is there for me.”
“I’m learning day by day,” added Brazil international Fred around the same time (Telegraph). “I have a good relationship with the manager and the coaches. I speak to (Carrick) every day. Michael played in my position – he knows what he is saying.”
Michael Carrick a top candidate to replace Chris Wilder as Middlesbrouhh manager
During Man United’s three games under Carrick, they started each with a flat-back four; usually set up in a 4-2-3-1. His United played with noticeably more movement and positional rotations than Solskjaer’s, Bruno Fernandes even trialled as a false nine. The dropping of Cristiano Ronaldo for Carrick’s first game, the 1-1 draw with Chelsea, is also proof that the 41-year-old is not afraid of big decisions; leaving out his most high-profile player in order to help improve United’s pressing ability from the front.
Perhaps his biggest decision at Middlesbrough, should he accept the job following what the Echo label ‘preliminary talks’, would be to stick with Wilder’s trademark wing-back system or switch to a four. In Isaiah Jones and Ryan Giles, Boro have two of the Championship’s most technically-gifted and creative wing-backs. Both players have thrived as orthodox wingers before at this level, however, and could certainly do so again.
What could change at the Riverside?
Given Carrick’s preference for ball-progression through the thirds, meanwhile, the talented Riley McGree and Alex Mowatt could have important roles. Ditto Darragh Lenihan; a centre-back with an impressive passing range.
Paddy McNair, meanwhile, worked alongside Carrick at Old Trafford. The Northern Ireland international is likely to be a loadbearing pillar in the transitional period, whoever takes over from Wilder, due to his leadership qualities and positional flexibility. Marcus Forss would also hope for a bigger role. The summer signing from Brentford is the most natural finisher in a Boro squad short of goals. Forss also works hard off the ball. If Carrick wants his team to press high – like most young managers do – then that could give Forss the edge.
Expect goalkeeper Zack Steffen to be one of the first names on Carrick’s team sheet too. The USA glovesman has committed some high-profile errors in the north east. But he was admired by Pep Guardiola for his distribution, and Carrick is likely to demand high levels of technique from his number one too.
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