London — Michael Carrick has been named Middlesbrough’s next manager, the Championship club announced on Monday. Middlesbrough are currently struggling in the English second division.
The 41-year-old former Manchester United midfielder and assistant manager replaces Chris Wilder, who was dismissed earlier this month, and will be joined at the Riverside Stadium by former Boro head coach Jonathan Woodgate.
Middlesbrough’s website stated, “The club is happy to announce the appointment of Michael Carrick as head coach.”
Michael provides a plethora of expertise to the team, having played for Manchester United for 12 years before coaching and caretaking at Old Trafford.
Steve Gibson, chairman of Boro, added: “We are thrilled to have Michael join our club. All of the candidates we interviewed for the available position were impressive, but Michael stood out as the most qualified.
“Michael has the same ideals as the club, and our goals are highly congruent. We view Michael as the ideal fit for our organization, and he agrees that this is the right club at the right moment.”
Carrick’s appointment signifies his return to the club where he began his professional football career.
“Middlesbrough was the first professional club I played for when I was nine years old, so it’s a very special feeling to be back here as a head coach,” said Carrick, who played for West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur before winning five Premier League titles as well as Champions League and Europa League trophies with Manchester United.
Carrick, who served as a coach for Manchester United under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, added: “Having grown up in the north-east, I am completely aware of the significance of football to people.
“It’s an honor to be in this position and to feel the love and enthusiasm you have for the game for Boro.”
Middlesbrough remain 21st in the Championship table, one point above the relegation zone, after a scoreless draw against Huddersfield Town at home on Sunday.