Middlesbrough have appointed former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick as their new head coach, with Jonathan Woodgate joining as first team coach.

The 41-year-old has signed a contract with the club and will replace Chris Wilder, who was sacked on October 3, following two wins, five defeats and four draws in eleven games.

On signing his contract, the former England international said on Middlesbrough official website: “I’m really excited to be here and to be part of a club with such a deep history and tradition.

“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 said: “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.”

He added: “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.”

Playing days and moving to management

As a player, Michael Carrick played 464 games for United, scoring 24 goals and winning five Premier League titles, two League Cups, the Champions League, the Europa League, the Club World Cup and the FA Cup.

Carrick worked with Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at United, before taking over as caretaker manager between November and December 2021, following Solskjaer’s dismissal.

He managed three games for the Old Trafford club, winning two and drawing one, before Ralf Rangnick replaced him.