Pep Guardiola's thoughts on Michael Carrick come to light before Manchester derby

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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola previously hailed Michael Carrick as one of the best players he’d ever seen as the pair prepare to go head to head as managers. Former Manchester United midfielder Carrick is set to be appointed by the Red Devils on an interim basis following the sacking of Ruben Amorim .

He beat fellow ex-United star Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to the job. The Norwegian was previously in talks but a host of senior Red Devils stars spoke to United chiefs in an attempt to veto his appointment.

That leaves Carrick as the only real candidate and, should he be appointed as expected, he will lead the club into this weekend’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford. The former Middlesbrough boss will attempt to take on Guardiola, who has previously sung Carrick’s praises.

Speaking during the now 44-year-old’s playing career, the Spaniard said: “I am a big fan of Michael Carrick. He is one of the best holding midfielders I’ve ever seen in my life by far. He’s the level of Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets in Barcelona and Munich.”

Carrick will certainly have a job on his hands this weekend in his debut game. Away from his previous caretaker spell at Old Trafford, he has held just one permanent position at Championship side Middlesbrough.

He spent nearly three years at the Riverside, leading the club to the playoffs in his debut campaign. Middlesbrough also reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals during the 2023/24 campaign but was sacked last summer following a disappointing campaign.

Guardiola, in the meantime, is one of the most decorated managers in world football, having lifted six Premier League titles, the Champions League , two FA Cups and four League Cups during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

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Away from his time with Middlesbrough, this weekend’s clash with City will represent only Carrick’s third Premier League game as a manager. He previously led United in a caretaker spell in 2021 following the sacking of Solskjaer.

He at first secured a 1-1 draw with Chelsea as Jorginho’s penalty cancelled out Jadon Sancho’s opener at Stamford Bridge. Carrick then secured an impressive 3-2 win against Arsenal before handing the reins to Ralf Rangnick.

A Cristiano Ronaldo brace, as well as a goal from Bruno Fernandes sealed victory for United that day.

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