Bruno Fernandes backed Michael Carrick to become a "top coach" after the former England international left Manchester United's backroom staff last December.
Carrick, 41, was finally confirmed as the new manager of Championship side Middlesbrough on Monday following days of speculation. It's the ex-midfielder's first permanent job in management after a spell as United's caretaker boss before Ralf Rangnick's arrival.
Carrick briefly succeeded Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford last November and did well during his three-game stint, picking up seven points against Arsenal, Villarreal and Chelsea. One player he did impress was Fernandes, who thanked Carrick for his work.
"He can be a really top manager in the future if he gets the chance," said Fernandes. "He knows how to speak, he knows a lot about football. He was one of the great players that not a lot of people talk about. For what I have seen, for me he can be a top coach."
Carrick arrives at the Riverside with a lack of managerial experience. He joined United's backroom staff in 2018 - working under Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer - before leaving upon Rangnick's appointment as interim boss.
Although Carrick lacks experience, he did play under some top managers during his career, such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Louis van Gaal, Fabio Capello and Harry Redknapp. He also won 19 trophies - including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
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Carrick faces a difficult job at Middlesbrough, as the pre-season promotion candidates find themselves in 21st place - one point above the relegation zone. He will be assisted by Jonathan Woodgate, an ex-Boro manager who won just nine of his 41 games in charge.
"I’m really excited to be here and to be part of a club with such a deep history and tradition," Carrick told the club's website. "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."
Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson added: "We’re delighted to welcome Michael to the club. We had identified a number of potentials for the vacancy who we spoke with, and were impressed by all, but Michael was the outstanding candidate.
"Michael has the same values as the club, and we are very much aligned in our ambitions. We see Michael as the perfect fit for us and he believes this is the right club at the right time."
