Michael Carrick deflected a question about whether he would prefer Newcastle or Manchester United to win the Carabao Cup final. A boyhood Toon fan, the Wallsend native spent 15 years at Old Trafford as a player and coach.
His current role as Middlesbrough manager also places his loyalties in an awkward position ahead of the Wembley showdown. The plot thickens further as Graeme Carrick, his brother, is also in charge of Newcastle’s under-18s.
A remarkable start to life as manager has seen the Boro boss lift the club from relegation fodder to third in the Championship. Sheffield United and Burnley, sitting first and second, are miles in front of the chasing pack but the Teessiders command a healthy position for a play-off spot.
