Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick is an English football coach and former professional player known for his contributions to English football as a midfielder, primarily in a deep-lying role. Carrick was occasionally deployed as a center-back under managers including Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and José Mourinho. He began his career at West Ham United, joining the youth team and winning the FA Youth Cup before becoming a first-team regular. Carrick later signed for Manchester United from Tottenham Hotspur, where he won five Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup, and several other honors during 12 years at Old Trafford. He is one of only two English players, alongside Wayne Rooney, to have won the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, League Cup, FA Community Shield, UEFA Europa League, and FIFA Club World Cup.

At Manchester United, Carrick formed a midfield partnership with Paul Scholes, playing a holding role that contributed to a shift toward a possession-based, continental playing style under Ferguson. He was named in the PFA Team of the Year and was recognized as Manchester United Players' Player of the Year in the same season. Despite his club achievements, Carrick's understated style led to limited attention from England national team managers, who often favored more dynamic midfielders such as Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. He was a member of the England squad for two World Cups.

Carrick has spoken openly about the personal challenges he faced during his career. In his autobiography, "Between the Lines," he discusses how Manchester United's Champions League final defeat to Barcelona led to a year-long battle with depression. He also experienced an irregular heart rhythm while captaining United, undergoing a cardiac ablation procedure. Carrick's willingness to address these issues has contributed to discussions about mental health and well-being in elite sport.

After retiring, Carrick transitioned into coaching, joining Mourinho's staff at Manchester United. He remained as an assistant to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and briefly served as caretaker manager before Ralf Rangnick's appointment. Carrick was later named head coach of Middlesbrough in the Championship, guiding the club from 21st to fourth in the table in his first managerial role and leading them to the EFL Cup semi-finals in his second season. His managerial approach emphasizes attacking, possession-focused football, with teams building from the back, utilizing midfielders and full-backs to create space, and employing high pressing to regain possession.

Carrick's autobiography, "Between the Lines," provides insight into his journey from a reserved midfielder to a respected football coach. All proceeds from the book support the Michael Carrick Foundation, which funds community services for underprivileged children in the North and North East of England.