Cristiano Ronaldo thinks Rangers managerial candidate is a ‘class act’
Rangers may use what Cristiano Ronaldo once said as fuel to finally appoint their replacement for Russell Martin.
Martin was sacked by Rangers after their 1-1 draw against Falkirk on Sunday, October 5, with the Ibrox hierarchy drawing up a list of replacements.
Steven Gerrard was linked with a sensational return to Rangers; however, the Liverpool legend rejected the chance to rescue his former club.
After being snubbed by the 45-year-old, Danny Rohl has been placed on the Rangers’ shortlist, along with another former Championship manager.
Cristiano Ronaldo thinks Michael Carrick is a ‘class act’
Sky Sports have revealed that Michael Carrick is one of several names to be sounded out by Rangers, which includes Ralph Hasenhuttl, Kieran McKenna and Rohl.
🔵 Rangers remain in talks with various candidates as they look to appoint a new head coach.
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 12, 2025
Danny Rohl is one option who has impressed, but Graham Potter and Gary O’Neil are not on Rangers’ final shortlist. More ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/SxdWUWsBhN
Carrick was sacked by Middlesbrough in June after failing to achieve promotion to the Premier League, with the former Manchester United midfielder looking to get his career back on track.
Known as one of the most technically gifted players to grace England’s top-flight, Carrick won every trophy possible during his 12 years at Old Trafford, and even impressed as an assistant to Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before briefly serving as caretaker boss in 2021.
During that period, he managed arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, who sung his praises as a player and manager in December 2021.
Michael Carrick was a class act as a player and he can become a great coach as well. Nothing is impossible for this guy. Personally, I’m proud to have played with him by my side as well as with him as a manager on our bench. 🙌🏽👊🏽 pic.twitter.com/gCgxDcDQYw
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) December 3, 2021
“Michael Carrick was a class act as a player and he can become a great coach as well,” Ronaldo wrote on X. “Nothing is impossible for this guy. Personally, I’m proud to have played with him by my side as well as with him as a manager on our bench.”
Carrick would bring a winning mentality to Rangers
Carrick and Ronaldo formed one of the greatest Premier League teams ever during their time together at Man United in the 2000’s.
| Michael Carrick’s managerial record at Middlesbrough |
| 136 matches |
| 63 wins |
| 24 draws |
| 49 draws |
That is where Carrick discovered a winning mentality under Sir Alex Ferguson, someone he would have undoubtedly looked up to for inspiration in management.
Whilst he ultimately failed in his mission to get Boro into the top-flight, he came mightily close in 2023 before losing in the play-off semi-finals to Luton Town.
As much as Rangers fans may not be inspired by the potential appointment of Carrick, he knew what it took to win as a player, and if he can translate that across to management with a talented squad, he could achieve greatness.