Michael Carrick lands new job amid Ruben Amorim sack rumours and Man Utd return links

Manchester United icon Michael Carrick has secured an unexpected new position with UEFA, whilst speculation continues to swirl around Ruben Amorim's future at Old Trafford. The 44-year-old former Middlesbrough chief has been touted for a shock comeback to the Theatre of Dreams as caretaker boss, should United's top brass decide to axe the Portuguese tactician.

It's a position he's familiar with, having previously stepped up as interim manager after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's exit from the club. Carrick's debut match in the hot seat was a triumph against Villarreal in the Champions League, and he also secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Arsenal in the Premier League.

He resigned from his role as first-team coach when Ralf Rangnick arrived at Old Trafford, having chalked up two victories and one stalemate during his temporary stint at the helm.

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Carrick took charge at Boro in October 2022 and steered them to the Championship play-off semi-final at the conclusion of that campaign, where they fell to Coventry City.

Despite that outstanding inaugural season, the United hero couldn't replicate the success and departed the Riverside in June this year following a 10th-place finish.

Now, a few short months later, Carrick has been named as a UEFA Technical Observer and recently offered his analysis on PSG's latest 2-1 triumph over Barcelona.

Speaking on the UEFA website about the game, Carrick said: "It sounds very basic but the key to the game is one-twos, third-man runs and forward runs behind.

"There was so much focus on pressing forward and relying on regaining it in that direction. But as we saw, the downside of this is there is a lot of space behind and across the back line.

"It's great if you win the ball back or if the other team keep passing to feet and trying to keep possession but it leaves you exposed against a team that is happy to run and pass less. It's runs in behind that were rewarded."

Man United have reportedly drawn up a three-man shortlist to replace Amorim, if they do part ways with the Portuguese head coach, with Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner and Gareth Southgate said to be on that list.

Speaking to the The Athletic in 2023, Solskjaer backed his former coach to be the manager at Old Trafford one day.

"I am 100% sure that Michael will be the manager of Manchester United if he wants to be," he said.

"I cannot see him not being the Manchester United manager. He's a winner, a massive winner, yet he stays in control of his emotions.

"He knows what he wants and doesn't lose his rag. He'll never be emotional and fight with the players."

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