Michael Carrick was due to spend Saturday in a television studio covering the Manchester derby, but instead he will be in the Old Trafford dugout after being appointed interim head coach of Manchester United. The 44-year-old had been booked to appear on Premier League Productions before his former club came calling.
Steve Bower, lead presenter for the Premier League's global TV channel and a Match of the Day commentator, has known Carrick for 25 years. He says the former midfielder has made a strong impression as a pundit this season, covering around seven games. "He speaks like he plays and manages; he would never go low and lambast somebody or go high and give ridiculous praise," Bower said. "He is outstanding at explaining the why and how, not just saying what we can all see."
Carrick went straight into coaching after retiring as a player in 2018, joining Jose Mourinho's staff at United. He had a brief spell as caretaker manager in 2021, before taking charge of Middlesbrough for three years, where he reached the Championship play-off semi-finals and a Carabao Cup semi-final.
Bower, who conducted Carrick's first interview as a United player in 2006, believes his recent media work will help him in his new role. "It does help with the analysis side of it, absolutely. The fact he's been doing that and predominantly watching this United team will certainly give him a headstart."
United are currently seventh in the Premier League, three points off the top four. Carrick has been appointed to steady the ship until a permanent manager is hired in the summer.
