Henry Winter namechecks Michael Carrick as David Moyes replacement at West Ham
The Times journalist Henry Winter has namechecked “stylish” Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick as a potential successor to David Moyes at West Ham United should he be sacked.
The Daily Express reported on 4 March that Carrick may find the chance to manage West Ham too hard to turn down should the opportunity arise.
Carrick has done a majestic job since taking over the reins of Middlesbrough, guiding the club up the Championship table into promotion contention.
“Talk to West Ham fans, especially those who have turned against David Moyes, and they would love to see their stylish former midfield player take the helm at the London Stadium,” said Winter as quoted by The Times. (6 March)
“Carrick is the loyal type, someone who thinks carefully about career development, and will doubtless want to finish his increasingly accomplished work with Middlesbrough.
“But you can expect his name to be thrown into the contender mix if Moyes does leave West Ham. Carrick’s Middlesbrough play good football, full of intelligent movement, and Saturday’s 5-0 thumping of Reading takes them within four points of second-placed Sheffield United (who have a game in hand).
“With the Teesside club, or someone else, Carrick will manage in the Premier League one day.”
Pulling the trigger.
The West Ham board seem reluctant to pull the trigger on Moyes as things stand, however, many fans would back Carrick coming into the fold at the London Stadium.
Taking on a role in the Premier League is a lot tougher ask than in the Championship but Carrick has proven that he has what it takes to make the step up.
So why not take a risk on the former West Ham maestro? He’s had plenty of top-flight experience as Manchester United’s number two and plays a stylish brand of football which would suit this Hammers setup.
A younger, fresher gaffer with a different outlook on the modern game is exactly what this West Ham side needs and Carrick will soon be snapped up by someone else if the Hammers fail to act quickly.
Carrick may yet still want to finish the job he has started in the North East, nevertheless, when the Premier League calls it’s tough to say no.