Tottenham ‘set sights on Michael Carrick’ as Man United decision nears
Tottenham have set their sights on Michael Carrick as a leading contender to become their next permanent manager should he leave Man United.
Carrick is currently in an interim position at Old Trafford, where he has won four and drawn one of his five games in charge and received high praise for their form.
While he remains a strong contender for the permanent Man United role, they are considering multiple options and he could miss out given the strength of his competitors.
Former Spurs scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that due to his links to the club, the 44-year-old is going to be high on Tottenham‘s shortlist as well.
Igor Tudor has stepped in to see Spurs through until the end of the season, when the likes of Carrick and a number of other high-profile bosses will become available.
Tottenham set sights on appointing Michael Carrick
Brown told Football Insider on 10 February that Carrick is in a strong position at Man United, but no decision will be made until the end of the season.
Decision-makers at Tottenham are believed to have been impressed by his progress at Old Trafford so far, and he has become a key contender for their position.
“Tottenham are keeping tabs on Michael Carrick,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He’s obviously got connections at the club after his time there as a player, the same as he does at Man United, so he’ll be on their radar if he is available.
“They’ve been impressed by the job he’s done at United in the short time he’s had.
“It’s difficult to see where Tottenham are going to go with their next manager, do they want to go back to attacking football or stick with a stable, pragmatic style?
“They can’t seem to decide, they’ve bounced between the two for so long with Mourinho, Conte, Postecoglou, now Frank and none have worked out.
“Carrick has been impressing at Man United and that’s going to mean a lot of clubs are looking at him, including Tottenham, if he doesn’t get the job.
“Man United, obviously, are in control there and if they decide he’s the man they want, then that’s the job he’ll get regardless of who else wants him.
“But if he becomes available, I’m sure he’s going to be very high on the list at Tottenham, because they’re looking at all of their options.”
Who else is in contention for the Tottenham job?
Despite strong connections, Carrick is not the only candidate Tottenham are looking at as things stand, with a number of high-profile bosses on their radar.
Chief among those options is Mauricio Pochettino, who is believed to be keen on a return to North London should he be offered the opportunity.
Football Insider revealed on 13 February that Pochettino’s appointment was impossible for Tottenham to do immediately, but could happen in the summer.
The boss is set to lead the host nation U.S.A at the World Cup in the summer and will not consider leaving his role until after the tournament is over.
Tudor’s appointment has opened the door for Pochettino to return, with the interim manager to fill the gap between now and when the USA boss will become available.
For the latest on Tottenham’s search for a new manager, head over to Tottenham News.