When Man United called I was desperate to leave Tottenham – it was a no-brainer
Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League’s early kick-off on Saturday
Michael Carrick signed for Sir Alex Ferguson in 2006(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick faces another of his previous clubs as he aims to continue his perfect record in charge. Tottenham will be keen to ruin the party for their ex-midfielder, who admitted he was “desperate” to leave them to head to Old Trafford as a player.
Carrick is off to a flyer in his second caretaker spell in the dugout. The former England international has secured three victories from three matches so far, having defeated Arsenal, Manchester City and Fulham.
This year will mark the 20th anniversary of Carrick’s £18.6million switch to United. The West Ham academy product spent just two years with Spurs before Sir Alex Ferguson took interest and secured a deal for his services.
Carrick was apparently more than willing to play his role in making the transfer happen. In fact, he was so intent on leaving London that there shouldn’t be any worries about split loyalties when Tottenham travel to Manchester for Saturday’s early kick-off.
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In 2010, Carrick said: “I went to the World Cup with England and information was filtering through that clubs were in contact. Tottenham told me what was happening, but it seemed to drag on and on.
“I was desperate to come. It was a no-brainer for me as soon as I found out United were interested. The first time I spoke to the manager was on the phone when the move was all sorted.
“I’ve never been so nervous about getting a phone call in my life. I’d heard the rumours about him, and I was scared stiff. That phone call will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
Carrick’s eagerness to join United turned out to be justified. He became an immediate success at United and achieved a career-high 52 appearances whilst securing the Premier League title in his debut campaign at Old Trafford, before claiming both domestic and European honours in his second season under Ferguson.
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He won five Premier League winners’ medals during his United career, alongside a Champions League, FA Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and three League Cup victories. He ultimately retired at Old Trafford in 2018, having made a remarkable 464 appearances over 12 seasons with the club.
His impact has continued beyond his playing days. United have appeared a team reborn under his guidance, securing a Manchester derby triumph before claiming two thrilling 3-2 wins over Arsenal and Fulham.
Those latter two results were won through late strikes from Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, the type of dramatic finishes that were fairly typical during the Fergie years. It makes sense that the squad has rediscovered some of that never-say-die spirit under someone who witnessed Ferguson’s brilliance first-hand.
United head into Saturday’s fixture sitting fourth in the Premier League table, eager to solidify their position in the battle for Champions League qualification. Carrick will undoubtedly feel some empathy for Tottenham, who are struggling to escape 14th place in what has proved a challenging season for Thomas Frank.