Michael Carrick now “obvious candidate” for Premier League job, Rúben Amorim showdown in May

Michael Carrick has been tipped as the “obvious candidate for a Premier League job that could open up in the next few weeks with a Manchester United reunion set.

Michael Carrick has been flying with Middlesborough ever since he left Manchester United following Ralf Rangnick‘s appointment at the club.

Carrick was a key part of Ole Gunnar Solskjær‘s coaching staff at United and was in brief control of the side after the Norweigan was sacked in November 2021.

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He picked up two wins against Villareal and Arsenal, as well as a 1-1 draw with Chelsea, before Rangnick was appointed as manager until the end of the season.

Carrick promptly left the club and found himself in charge of Middlesborough, who are now fighting for promotion to the Premier League though the top six Championship spots.

A Premier League candidate

However, with West Ham struggling in the league, former Chelsea and Aston Villa striker Tony Cascarino has tipped Carrick as the top choice to replace current boss Julen Lopetegui.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Cascarino explained he believes Carrick can take West Ham to the next step.

“You know West Ham fans, I think the owner is always trying to appease them with the sort of manager that would fit the bill.

“Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough were a bit flying. A big old win yesterday, 6-2, top goalscorers in the Championship at the moment [on 29 goals].

“And they’re what, lying fifth? I think they’re fifth, yeah, fifth in the Championship, and there’s been a bit of a turnaround there. So he’ll be an obvious candidate for someone like West Ham.

“Because the fans would certainly embrace one of their players that they had many moons ago and bring a style of football that West Ham fans so dearly want.”

Amorim showdown

Should Carrick or former United assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy be offered the job at West Ham, they would have to wait a while until they could face their old club.

United, with new head coach Rúben Amorim at the helm, will next play West Ham on 10 May 2025, although this date may be subject to change depending on United’s progress in the Europa League.

With this fixture at Old Trafford, the reverse tie stands out as the one that cost Erik ten Hag his job as the Dutchman’s former side lost 2-1 at the London Stadium.

However, Amorim is set to stay in charge at the club for the coming seasons and may well face off against either Van Nistelrooy or Carrick as he gets to grips with the Premier League.

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