Carrick sought Ferguson’s advice before taking Middlesbrough job

Michael Carrick played between 2006 to 2018 for Manchester United under Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and José Mourinho. He joined United’s coaching staff in 2018 and was named caretaker manager for three matches after Ole Solskjaer's sacking last year.

Carrick who decided to leave United last December in his first press conference as Middlesbrough manager was asked whether he would emulate Alex Ferguson’s management style.

"If it needs be, yes! I have a stubborn streak. I did it certain times as a player and coach. It is not happy faces all the time. It is a mix,"

he told reporters.

"Do I look like an angry Scot?!"

he joked when asked if he would manage like Ferguson.

"You have to treat individuals differently. Which he did. I have to trust my instincts and not copy too much.”

Carrick also revealed that he sought the advice of Ferguson before accepting Middlesbrough’s offer.

“I spoke to Sir Alex a few times over the last year, more since I have stopped playing. I didn’t want to get too close to him as a player! He has pride and care about his ex-players progressing and being coaches and takes pride and care in helping them. I have taken his advice.

“I thought I knew football until I got to United, then I learned a whole new level of living, and breathing. He improved me in many ways. He said lots about being your own person, stick to beliefs and principles. He did it for so many young managers and has so much respect and you listen and take it on board.”

Middlesbrough sacked Chris Wilder earlier in October. They sit 21st in the Championship table with 17 points after 16 matches.

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