Middlesbrough have announced Michael Carrick as their new head coach.
The former Manchester United midfielder has replaced Chris Wilder in charge of the Championship outfit, with Leo Percovich having overseen the last five matches on an interim basis. His contract length hasn’t been disclosed but it is believed to be a long-term deal.
The 41-year-old is one of the most decorated English players in history having won 17 trophies with the Red Devils across 12 years, including five Premier League titles, two League Cups, an FA Cup and the Champions League.
READ MORE:
-
The impressive coaching timeline of Aston Villa’s interim boss Aaron Danks
-
Cristiano Ronaldo to Chelsea would improve revenue streams but not the team
-
The six England Premier League strikers battling it out to go to the World Cup
Upon retiring from playing in 2018, Carrick joined the backroom staff at Old Trafford working alongside both Jose Mourinho and later Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He took over from the latter when the Norwegian was relieved of his duties in 2021, taking charge for three matches until Ralf Rangnick assumed control. In that time, Carrick boasted an unbeaten record having achieved wins over Arsenal and Villarreal while earning a draw with Chelsea.
Speaking to the Middlesbrough club website about his first permanent command in football, Carrick said: “I’m really excited to be here and to be part of a club with such a deep history and tradition.
"Middlesbrough was the first professional club I played for as a nine-year old boy, so it’s a very special feeling to be back here as a head coach.
"Growing up in the north-east myself, I’m fully aware of what football means to people. It’s a real privilege for me to be in this position and to feel all the passion and enthusiasm you’ve got for the game and for Boro.
"I’ll give everything to help develop the team and keep moving the club forward and make you, the supporters, proud. I can’t wait to get started.”
Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson shared his excitement about Carrick’s appointment.
“We’re delighted to welcome Michael to the club,” he said. “We had identified a number of potentials for the vacancy who we spoke with, and were impressed by all, but Michael was the outstanding candidate.
“Michael has the same values as the club, and we are very much aligned in our ambitions. We see Michael as the perfect fit for us and he believes this is the right club at the right time.”
Jonathan Woodgate, who featured for Boro as a defender before becoming the club's manager between 2019 and 2020, has been appointed as first-team coach to aid Carrick. A further appointment is expected, the club statement confirmed.
It has also been announced that Percovich will remain at the Riverside Stadium, taking up the position of head of player pathway and development.
Carrick's first game in charge will be an away trip to Preston North End this Saturday.
