‘A class act’ – Cristiano Ronaldo approved Michael Carrick in clear Man United manager verdict

Manchester United are set to appoint Michael Carrick as their interim manager – and Cristiano Ronaldo is certain to approve.

talkSPORT understands that Carrick will become caretaker boss ahead of the Manchester derby this Saturday, live on talkSPORT.

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He is the preferred choice over fellow United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with his contract and staff now being finalised.

This will be the second time that Carrick has taken interim charge of the Red Devils, with the first coming in 2021.

Coincidentally, his first temporary spell in the Old Trafford dugout came as he stepped up following Solskjaer’s sacking.

In his opening game in charge of the club, Ronaldo scored during a win over Villarreal in the Champions League, before his side went on to win and draw his other two outings on the touchline.

And the Portuguese legend loved working under Carrick, piling praise on his former teammate after his spell ended.

The ex-midfielder opted to leave the club entirely after 15 years as a player and coach when Ralf Rangnick was appointed boss.

Ronaldo posted about Carrick’s exit and predicted a bright future in management for the now-44-year-old.

Alongside an image of the pair, he wrote: “Michael Carrick was a class act as a player and he can become a great coach as well.

“Nothing is impossible for this guy.

“Personally, I’m proud to have played with him by my side as well as with him as a manager on our bench.”

Returning home

Just as Ronaldo did a few years after leaving Man United, it appears that Carrick is about to return home to Old Trafford too.

And four years on from his interim spell, he is coming back to replace Ruben Amorim, who was sacked last week.

Carrick spent 12 years at United as a player, making over 450 appearances, and then another three years as a coach.

After his departure and Ronaldo’s prediction for him, Carrick went on to spend three seasons as Middlesbrough boss.

He joined Boro in 2022, taking his first ever permanent managerial role, before being sacked last summer.

Of his 136 games in charge, he won 63 and lost 49, drawing 24.

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Another seal of approval

Carrick hasn’t been in another role since leaving Boro, but he’s now on the brink of stepping in after Amorim’s exit.

And he has legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson to thank.

talkSPORT understands that his ex-boss recommended him to the United hierarchy rather than giving Solskjaer the interim role.

As mentioned, Carrick is set to be appointed in time for Man United’s clash with Manchester City this weekend.

The game will be exclusively live on talkSPORT, with commentary coming from Sam Matterface and Stuart Pearce.

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