Before taking over as Middlesbrough’s new head coach, Michael Carrick stated he had no qualms about consulting “angry Scotsman” Alex Ferguson, his former manager at Manchester United.
Carrick, who was named the new manager of Middlesbrough on Tuesday, will return to his home north-east.
The 41-year-old former United and England midfielder is beginning his full-time managing career at Middlesbrough, following in the footsteps of current England boss Gareth Southgate.
Carrick’s first coaching experience was at Old Trafford under Jose Mourinho, where he also collaborated with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
But Ferguson, who Carrick played for during a 12-year stint at United, was the main factor in the choice to become the next manager at Boro.
I had a couple conversations with Sir Alex, said Carrick.
I didn’t want to become too close to him while I was a player, so I’ve spoken to him more after I quit playing.
When asked how much Ferguson had influenced his professional life, Carrick said, “I felt I understood football to a degree until I arrived to United, and it taught me a completely other way of living, breathing, how to play football, how to win, and it all flowed from the boss.
He had a tremendous, enormous impact on me, helped me become a better player and person in many different ways, so I owe him a lot.
Ferguson was known for his tough discipline, but Carrick said that Ferguson was no longer relevant and that times had changed.
“Do I seem to be a furious Scotsman?” He smiled as he stated.
“Today’s society and social circles are significantly different from those of the past.
I believe that in order to get the most performance out of each people, you must treat them in a variety of ways. He did this in many ways, so I was able to learn a lot from him.
“But once again, I must follow my intuition and refrain from excessive copying. I’m at ease with who I am as an individual.
Middlesbrough is just one point out of the Championship’s relegation zone, but Carrick, who briefly served as United’s interim manager after Solskjaer’s departure, declared: “I’m not here for a fairytale, I’m here to work, to give my best, use my expertise, and support the players.”