Michael Carrick has responded to speculation linking him with former club West Ham United by saying he is “delighted” to be at Middlesbrough.
The former Manchester United captain, who played more than 150 games for the Hammers before joining Tottenham Hotspur in 2004, has received many plaudits for the rapid turnaround he has produced at Boro since succeeding Chris Wilder.
Carrick was appointed in late October with the Teesside club sitting just one place and one point above the Championship relegation zone. In his 19 league games in charge, Boro have won 14 and drawn once and have climbed to third in the table, just seven points off the second automatic promotion spot.
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With West Ham struggling at the bottom end of the Premier League table, currently sitting 16th and one point above the relegation zone, David Moyes continues to face immense pressure, especially after his side suffered a 4-0 defeat away at Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.
Unsurprisingly, Carrick’s history with the Hammers and his impressive start to management with Middlesbrough has seen his name being mentioned as a possible successor should Moyes lose his job. However, Carrick has addressed this speculation and it would appear he has no intention of leaving Teesside anytime soon.
“I’m delighted to be here. Why wouldn’t I be? We’ve got a terrific club and a terrific group of players, and I’m loving working with them. I’m looking forward to a big end to the season," said Carrick.
“In some ways, it’s pleasing (to be linked with Premier League clubs), but to be honest, I don’t really listen to it or watch it. It’s not something that really bothers me.
“We judge what we do here ourselves, and we’re our harshest critics in some ways, within the group. We judge myself, the players and the staff by the criteria that we just want to get better.
“What goes on, on the outside, goes on, on the outside. Over the years, I’ve kind of hardened myself to that. I don’t tend to pay too much attention to it. I obviously know what’s going on, but I’m just loving being here at the moment, with the players and staff, and the club in a really good place.”
Carrick’s playing career started at West Ham, rising through the youth ranks to the first-team. The former midfielder has also worked under Moyes, playing 36 times during the Scotsman’s short tenure as Man United manager during the 2013/14 season.
“I started at West Ham as a young boy and it’s a fantastic football club, but I know David well, played under him and have huge respect for him. I think for me to comment on anything would be hugely unfair, and I wouldn’t do that," Carrick added.
“What I will say is that I hope they have a fantastic end to the season with David and the club because it’s a fantastic place and David is a good man. I really wish them all the success.”
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