Michael Carrick was reportedly close to taking over as Southampton manager before his appointment as interim head coach at Manchester United. The former Red Devils midfielder was handed the reins at Old Trafford earlier this month following Ruben Amorim's dismissal.
According to Sky Sports, Carrick was interviewed by the Championship side after Will Still's departure, but the Saints opted to appoint Tonda Eckert initially on a caretaker basis before making the role permanent. Eckert's early success, winning four of his first five games, convinced the hierarchy to give him the job full-time.
However, Southampton's form has since worsened, with Eckert winning just four of his subsequent 12 matches, including a 1-1 draw with fierce rivals Portsmouth. The club now sits 15th in the Championship, seven points adrift of the play-off places.
Carrick has declined to look too far ahead in his role at United but stressed the importance of long-term planning. 'It's not just to get through to the end of the season,' he said. 'I've got a responsibility to leave the club in a good place.' He also confirmed he spoke to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was in contention for the temporary role, adding: 'He's been fully supportive, as you'd expect.'
