5 jobs perfect for Michael Carrick after Man Utd exit - including Everton and Leicester
Posted Saturday, December 04, 2021 by Dailystar.co.uk
Michael Carrick leaves Old Trafford with a short but tremendous record at Old Trafford from the dugout - now questions are asked about where the Geordie coach will be heading now
It was a short but very sweet tenure for Michael Carrick at Manchester United. Three games, two wins, including victories over Arsenal and Villarreal, and a draw away to Chelsea.
Not bad going at all.
It doesn’t take long for a buzz to be created in football, especially where a manager is concerned. It’s a common occurrence for an unknown caretaker to come in for a couple of games, pick up a few wins, and next thing you know he’s in the dugout at the Bernabeu.
Well, not quite, but just a few games is all you need to have your name high up on the list.
And Carrick is no different. His calm demeanour and experience as a Man United coach will no doubt wet the lips of several clubs looking for a new boss to take charge.
Here are just a few possibilities.
Michael Carrick leaves United with an unbeaten record
Leicester City
Brendan Rodgers has fended off interest so far (Image: PA)
The football colloquialism the ‘managerial roundabout’ needs to get in the bin at the first available opportunity - but sadly there’s no better way to describe the way in which Carrick could end up at the King Power Stadium.
Brendan Rodgers has been denying talks of a possible move to rival clubs for the past couple of months, but given the Foxes’ recent run of form, he could be well eating his words, with his sacking odds dropping significantly.
Should he leave - whether voluntarily or otherwise - might Leicester take a punt on someone like Carrick? It’s a high chance for such an ambitious club, but stranger things have happened.
Everton
Rafa Benitez is feeling the pressure at Everton after a poor run (Image: Matt McNulty/Manchester City/Getty Images)
Ah yes, the club which you feel Carrick would have most definitely played for had United not kept him going right until retirement. But alas, no: Carrick has no association with the Toffees.
The pull here comes twofold: firstly is the likelihood that Rafa Benitez will be sacked. Should 14th-place Everton lose at Arsenal, then that possibility of relegation might make their more pessimistic fans sweat.
If he gets the sack, and Farhad Moshiri feels though he’s run out of the getting slightly-beyond-their-years-world-class manager option, then a more unorthodox appointment could appear to be a more palatable prospect.
Burnley
Sean Dyche's heroics have gone mostly unnoticed with those outside Burnley (Image: REUTERS)
This is less than about the club and more about the manager they have in now. Sean Dyche has kept Burnley in the Premier League for five consecutive seasons now, and each time he does so, it’s nothing short of a miracle.
Claret fans often stress how Dyche being labelled merely as a presider of dinosaur tactics is a lazy assumption to make. His team can play expansive football at times and undoubtedly the people this side of Lancashire will have no qualms with the man if they went down and he decided to remain in the Premier League at a new club.
And if that should happen, a year with Carrick at the helm in the Championship? Could be wrong, but it doesn’t seem like the worst decision in the world, does it?
Southampton
We reckon Michael Carrick can pull this look off, too
While Southampton continue their everlasting breeze from lower midtable to midtable, fans might be fed up with the defending of a manager who seems incapable of building on what they have. Poor transfers have meant the Saints have many unwanted on their wage bill, but games such as heavy defeats to Man United and Leicester must weigh heavy on the side, even if they’re constantly reminded of Ralph Hasenhüttl’s progressive tactical blueprint.
Sure entertainment is great and all - but when results are so inconsistent and the table looks the same, it starts to become a bit dry.
We’re reaching a bit with Carrick, but it would be a welcome change for some.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest, despite their size, have not tasted Premier League action in over 20 years
Having got rid of Chris Houghton after an appalling start to the season, Forest appointed Steve Cooper. And things have improved - the win against Preston North End 3-0 was exhilarating - but now the results have come by the way of dour draws.
Most fans will of course behind their manager, but perhaps some others will be thinking about their best possible entry back into the Premier League. It’s been too long for one of England’s most prestigious clubs - could Carrick be the wildcard they need?
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