Michael Carrick seen as ‘obvious candidate’ for potential Premier League job

Stretty News

·26 November 2024

Michael Carrick seen as ‘obvious candidate’ for potential Premier League job

Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has been tipped as an ‘obvious candidate’ for West Ham if they decide to part ways with Julen Lopetegui.

Leicester City became the latest club to sack their manager Sunday and have been linked with a range of candidates, including former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

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Some reports suggest Van Nistelrooy is one of the leading candidates as the Foxes look to avoid relegation after an expectedly poor start to the season.

Another job that could be available soon is West Ham, although their win over Newcastle United on Monday night will reflect well on the under-pressure Lopetegui.

Former Hammer Carrick has now had his name thrown into the mix after impressing as Middlesbrough’s boss in the Championship. They have been turned into promotion hopefuls by the former England international, who took charge in October 2022 after a short stint as caretaker manager at United following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure.

In his first season at Boro, Carrick guided them to the Championship play-off semi-finals before reaching the Carabao Cup last four in his second.

Taking Boro to the top flight will be the next step but he could leave before that happens, should a tempting offer come his way.

Middlesbrough are currently fifth in the Championship table and five points off the automatic promotion spots after a 6-2 win over Oxford United.

West Ham were previously linked with hiring Ruben Amorim during his time at Sporting CP.

Cascarino believes Michael Carrick is the man for West Ham

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Speaking to talkSPORT, Tony Cascarino believes Carrick can take West Ham to the next step.

He said: “You know West Ham fans, I think the owner is always trying to appease them with the sort of manager that would fit the bill.

“Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough were a bit flying. A big old win yesterday, 6-2, top goalscorers in the Championship at the moment [on 29 goals].

“And they’re what, lying fifth? I think they’re fifth, yeah, fifth in the Championship and there’s been a bit of a turnaround there. So he’ll be an obvious candidate for someone like West Ham.

“Because the fans would certainly embrace one of their players that they had many moons ago and bring a style of football that West Ham fans so dearly want.”

Carrick made 154 appearances for West Ham throughout his career and I reckon it would be a popular appointment among fans, as they sit 14th in the Premier League.

West Ham have won only three of their 11 matches this season and are only four points above the relegation zone.

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Michael Carrick seen as ‘obvious candidate’ for potential Premier League job | OneFootball