Michael Carrick is one of the most decorated English footballers of his generation. Yet, despite his exploits with Manchester United, he is still underrated by some.
Defined as a smooth, intelligent operator – his passing range and composure set him apart.
Vision, creativity, and an innate ability to read the game were just some attributes that made Carrick positively comparable to his peers across Europe.
From his formative years at West Ham to the glory days at Manchester United – and a first foray into management – This is the tale of the understated genius: Michael Carrick.
Early Days
Born in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, in July 1981, he began playing football for his local club, Wallsend Boys, aged four.
He was soon spotted by West Ham United, leaving the North East region to settle in London, where he joined their academy at 15.
Michael won the FA Youth Cup in 1999 with the Hammers when they beat Coventry City in the final, capping a credible development period at his new club.
Senior Emergence and Eventual Relegation
Having made his first-team debut in the now-defunct Intertoto Cup in July 1999, the 18-year-old starlet quickly established himself as a vital component in manager Harry Redknapps plans.
His efforts led to the club’s Young Player of the Year for 1999/2000 – in a side that also contained the prodigious talents of Joe Cole.
The English youth then kicked on to become a reliable lieutenant for the Irons over the next three seasons – before experiencing the heartbreak of relegation in May 2003.
Switch to Spurs
Following demotion to the second tier, Carrick spent one more season at Upton Park – before departing to join Tottenham Hotspur for a bargain deal of just £3.5 million.
Despite an injury-hit start to his White Hart Lane career, the rangy playmaker made his debut against Portsmouth in October 2004 and continued to impress back in the Premiership.
The Geordie lad enjoyed a productive two-year stint in North London, finishing joint-top for assists in his second campaign while completing the most crosses and passes out of all his teammates.
Dream Move to Old Trafford
Following the sudden departure of Roy Keane in November 2005 – Manchester United were in the market for a new central midfield player.
The British powerhouse secured their priority target in July 2006 – agreeing a package of £18.6 million with Spurs.
The England man made his first competitive bow for United in August 2006 in a victory at Watford before scoring his first goal in a home win over Aston Villa in January 2007.
Instant Success
He set about winning over the expectant Manchester faithful with a combination of elegance and efficiency, forming a superb midfield partnership with the legendary Paul Scholes.
The Red Devils were crowned champions in his first season (2006/07), a feat they had not managed for four years.
The silverware did not stop there, and Michael would participate in a first-ever UEFA Champions League final just twelve months later. Inevitably, his team emerged victorious over Chelsea – crowning a remarkable season in which the Reds won a Premier and Champions League double.
Additional success followed in the intervening years – with Carrick adding the FA Cup and Europa League to ‘complete the set’ at club level.
He even had the honour of being made captain in 2017.
International Career
The 43-year-old debuted for the England national football team in 2001 during a friendly win over Mexico – having been selected by manager Sven-Göran Eriksson.
The Tyne and Wear native participated in three World Cups with his country (2002, 2006 & 2010), and earned 34 caps in total.
There is a sense that Carrick was perhaps a little bit misused during his time with the national team.
He was often overlooked in favour of bigger-name stars such as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, leading to disjointed displays from the team, especially on the biggest stage.
Michael retired from ‘Three Lions’ duty in 2015 at 34.
Retirement and Coaching Career
The silky orchestrator hung up his boots in 2018, bringing down the curtain on a fabulous career that spanned two decades at senior level.
He took up a coaching role at Manchester United as part of Jose Mourinho’s backroom team, working alongside Kieran McKenna – with both men assisting the controversial Portuguese tactician to help fill the void left by the departing Rui Faria.
After the sacking of Mourinho in December 2018, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed – first on an interim basis and later as permanent manager – and the Norwegian retained his former teammate as part of his coaching staff.
Caretaker Role
Following the dismissal of Solskjaer in November 2021, Carrick received the opportunity to act as caretaker on a three-game spell – going unbeaten in the process.
The mini-run included a victory over Villarreal in Europe, plus a win and a draw against top-four rivals Arsenal and Chelsea domestically.
In the aftermath of the game against the Gunners in December, Michael announced he would be leaving the club immediately, ending a fifteen-year association with the 20-time English champions.
Middlesbrough
On 24 October 2022, Carrick was appointed manager of Championship outfit Middlesbrough.
The Teessiders were languishing in 21st place in the division at the time, just one point above the relegation zone.
However, ‘Boro saw a dramatic upturn in form – and their new gaffer would showcase his managerial nous, helping his team win 16 of his first 23 games in charge.
In his first season at the helm, he would guide the Riverside club to a remarkable 4th place finish and a coveted spot in the playoffs, where they ultimately lost out to Coventry in the semi-finals.
In season two, the former Man United man guided ‘Boro to a first Carabao Cup semi-final since 2004, when they eventually lost to Chelsea.
They finished 8th in the Championship, missing out on yet another shot at the playoffs, before their manager signed a new three-year deal in June 2024.
The future certainly looks bright for the young manager, who, at 43, has plenty of time to hone his skills in the dugout and add to his already impressive start to life on the touchline.
Legacy
Michael Carrick will be remembered fondly by his past clubs, but none more so than at Manchester United.
He achieved magnificent success in the number 16 shirt – previously adorned by a certain celebrated Irishman.
Quiet and unassuming, the father of two has earned his place in the pantheon of great midfielders to have graced the Old Trafford pitch down through the years.
What are your thoughts on his memorable career?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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