Championship player raves about 'insanely talented' Man Utd legend who has 'an impressive CV'

Manchester United legend Michael Carrick is an “insanely talented coach” and has an “impressive CV” ahead of Middlesbrough’s huge Carabao Cup clash against Chelsea.

That is according to Middlesbrough player Lukas Engel, who praised Carrick as a “role model for many” and how the United cult hero has “experienced a lot.”

Carrick, who has been dubbed as ‘underrated’ by his former teammates, enjoyed a remarkable playing career at Old Trafford before he retired in 2018 and went into coaching.

The former United midfielder was part of Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff at Old Trafford and later served under ex-Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Carrick was appointed caretaker manager at United after Solskjaer was axed from the club and led the Red Devils until Ralf Rangnick’s arrival as interim manager.

The 42-year-old United legend took his first steps into management in 2022 after he was appointed the head coach of Championship side Middlesbrough.

READ MORE: Scott McTominay names the one Erik ten Hag rule that ensures no Man Utd player has a ‘big ego’

MORE UNITED STORIES

Engel on influence of United legend Carrick

Carrick steered Middlesbrough away from a potential relegation battle in his first season in charge and led his side to a fourth-place finish in the table.

However, Middlesbrough’s hopes of Premier League promotion were thwarted after they lost in the play-off semi-finals to Coventry City.

Carrick’s men are in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup this season and secured a sensational 1-0 win over Premier League side Chelsea in the first leg.

Speaking to Danish magazine Tipsbladet, Engel said: “He has experienced a lot, and he has an impressive CV.

“He is also a player I watched on television when I was growing up. He is a role model for many when he has played at the level he has. He is an insanely talented coach.

“My friends and family can be starstruck on my behalf. I have some friends who are Manchester United fans, and they are starstruck about it.

“Yes, sometimes he can stand in a position, but he is not involved when we play possession.

“He has been a talented player, and he probably never loses it, and you can see that he can still play.”

Carrick on Chelsea challenge for Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough travel to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening for their second-leg Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea, with kick-off slated for 8pm UK time.

The Championship side previously won the trophy for the only time in 2004 and Carrick played down Middlesbrough’s aggregate lead ahead of the second-leg tie.

“We got a big boost from the first game, but that’s as far as it goes,” he said.

“We know what we’re walking into.”

Either Middlesbrough or Chelsea will face Fulham or Liverpool in the final of the Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium.

Related Topics