West Ham United bosses keeping an eye on Michael Carrick’s progress at Middlesbrough
Michael Carrick’s rise at Middlesbrough has caught the eye of those around West Ham United, according to journalist Dean Jones.
Currently embroiled in a relegation dogfight in the Premier League, the East Londoners poor form this season has seen David Moyes’ future as manager called into question by fans and pundits, with the Hammers choosing to stick by him.
And the Sunday Mirror revealed on 12 March that the Hammers have earmarked the former Manchester United caretaker manager and player as their next manager to replace Moyes at the end of the season after swiftly transforming Boro into promotion contenders.
And according to former Eurosport journalist Jones, writing for GiveMeSport [29 March] reveals that Carrick’s rise on Teesside has caught the eye of Hammers bosses but chairman David Sullivan isn’t expected to make any definitive managerial decisions just yet.
“Owner Sullivan has been keen to stick by Moyes, believing there are few other managers who would be able to offer a guarantee of a turnaround,” said Jones.
“Yet there are also a host of big names on the managerial free market right now and the intriguing rise of Michael Carrick’s start at Middlesbrough has also caught the eye of some around the club.
“Sullivan has not set his mind to any firm decision though and is set to attend this weekend’s game (against Southampton at the London Stadium on Sunday, 2 April) as the Hammers fight for their top-flight status.”
Tempting
The prospect of appointing Carrick to replace Moyes is certainly a tempting one considering the outstanding job he’s doing at Middlesbrough currently.
The former Manchester United has made a superb start to his managerial career at the Riverside, winning 16 of his 23 Championship outings so far, and it’s no wonder why Boro’ are top contenders to gain promotion to the Premier League next season.
His calm, cool and calculated manner makes him the ideal man to lead West Ham into the new campaign and it is certainly expected that he’ll be at the very top of this supposed shortlist.
However, if he manages to win promotion with Middlesbrough, he may certainly opt to stay and continue his managerial development there rather than taking the risk and setting sail back in East London.
It’s certainly going to be a huge summer for West Ham United, but for now, the primary focus remains on securing their Premier League status for next season. Then they will be able to target the attractive options to eventually replace Moyes.