Michael Carrick could be handed quick-fire return to management after Middlesbrough sacking

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Michael Carrick is on the hunt for a new job after he was sacked by Middlesbrough on Wednesday afternoon after his now former club missed out on a play-off place on the final day of the season.

Boro sacked Carrick after an internal review, and Steve Gibson now has to find a replacement for the ex-Manchester United and England midfielder who moved to the Riverside Stadium in 2022.

The Teessiders were busy in last summer’s transfer window, and many expected them to finish in the top six once again having missed out in 2023/24, but they were beaten by Coventry City in their last match of the campaign and eventually ended the season in 9th.

It is now imperative that Middlesbrough find the correct replacement for Carrick, but the 43-year-old may not be waiting around for too long for his next opportunity.

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Bristol City target Michael Carrick

It’s been a busy 24 hours for Bristol City after they lost Liam Manning to Norwich City. Rob Edwards is one of the names on the Robins’ list, but they will face competition from Middlesbrough for the signature of the ex-Luton Town boss and they are now looking to offer Carrick a near-instant Championship return.

In an EFL Analysis exclusive, we can reveal that they are interested in bringing the ex-Boro boss to the south-west as Manning’s successor.

Transfer guru Graeme Bailey told us: “EFL Analysis understands that Bristol City already have an interest in Michael Carrick filling their vacancy at Ashton Gate,

“Carrick has just left Boro, along with number two Jonathan Woodgate, but they could be offered a quick-fire return at one of their rivals.”

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Bristol City are clearly looking for Championship experience

With Edwards also being targeted by Middlesbrough, Bristol City are showing that they are open to multiple options, and they are interested in having a head coach who has spent time in the Championship previously.

Carrick has experience of reaching the play-offs, and after the Robins’ heavy defeat to Sheffield United over two legs, they need a fresh pair of eyes to evaluate and guide this squad to success next season.

There is plenty of quality through this Bristol City side, and with Carrick’s desire to play possession-based football, he could be the perfect fit for a midfield that consists of quality ball-players such as Max Bird and Jason Knight.