Blackpool's Championship rivals Middlesbrough appoint ex-Man Utd and West Ham man as new boss

It means a return to football for the 41-year-old who has been out of the game since November last year.

Carrick had a three-game stint as caretaker manager of Man Utd, a club he represented as a player for 12 years.

The former midfielder had previously spent time on Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff as a first-team coach prior to the Portuguese’s departure.

He won two and drew one of his three games at Old Trafford, including a draw with Chelsea and an away win in the Champions League against Villarreal.

Carrick had been on the coaching staff at United for a few seasons before departing as Ralf Rangnick took over.

The Wallsend-born man, a serial winner as a player, returns to the North East and to Boro, where he started his footballing journey as a nine-year-old.

Carrick initially turned down the chance to take charge at the Riverside but after a second round of talks, Boro chairman Steve Gibson convinced him to take the reins.

Carrick told Boro’s website: “I’m really excited to be here and to be part of a club with such a deep history and tradition.

"Middlesbrough was the first professional club I played for as a nine-year old boy, so it’s a very special feeling to be back here as a head coach.

"Growing up in the north-east myself I’m fully aware of what football means to people. It’s a real privilege for me to be in this position and to feel all the passion and enthusiasm you’ve got for the game and for Boro.

"I’ll give everything to help develop the team and keep moving the club forward and make you the supporters proud.

"I can’t wait to get started.”

The new head coach will be assisted by Middlesbrough’s former boss Jonathan Woodgate.

The 42-year-old was in charge of Boro for just over a year before joining AFC Bournemouth as a first-team coach in February 2021.

Two days later, head coach Jason Tindall was sacked and Woodgate took over until the end of the season, with the Cherries beaten in the play-offs.

Boro, who sacked Chris Wilder after a poor start to the season, are 21st in the Championship table, just one point above the dropzone.