Michael Carrick is preparing to take his Manchester United side to St James’ Park for the first time as a manager. The Geordie had been driving up to the North East in January when he was offered the Manchester United job until the end of the season. Carrick has made the joint-best ever start as a Premier League manager after picking up 23 points from his first nine games in charge of Manchester United.
Carrick’s Strong Ties to the North East
Carrick is very much a Manchester United man, but the boyhood Newcastle United supporter has not forgotten his roots. According to close friend Chris Hood, Carrick was in the North East for a family event when he was offered the Manchester United job. Hood said Carrick was there for his family and to see his friends, making the most of that precious time.
“He understands he is what he is because of what made him,” Hood said.
Wallsend Boys Club Legacy
Carrick’s connection to the area is exemplified by his involvement with the Wallsend Boys Club. Carrick followed in the footsteps of Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley and Steve Bruce as one of 97 players from the club who went on to become first-team professionals. The club had to be demolished in 2012 due to damage caused by high winds.
Community Impact and Foundation
Funding provided by Carrick’s foundation has enabled the club to employ a general manager, John Percival. Percival has been instrumental in raising the capital for a new community hub, which was built in 2023. Chairman Steve Dale explained that Carrick is intrinsically linked to the boys’ club and credits it with so much that was positive about his childhood.
“He was motivated to try and do that himself through the proceeds he raised at his testimonial. That’s why he created his own foundation.”
The whole ethos behind it was to try and make sure youngsters had a safe place to go and meet their pals where they enjoyed being challenged and, ideally, got involved in football and fell in love with the game like he did.
Early Ambitions
Carrick’s love of the game was quickly apparent when he was profiled on the BBC’s Saturday morning children’s television show Live & Kicking in 1995. Seated in front of the camera in a Newcastle shirt and surrounded by posters of his idols, including Beardsley, viewers might have felt he was destined to one day represent his boyhood club.
Carrick’s return to Newcastle as Manchester United manager marks a significant moment, highlighting both his professional achievements and his enduring connection to his roots.