Despite being from the north of England, Michael Carrick came through the ranks at West Ham United. In 1999, he won the FA Youth Cup with the Hammers before making his debut in the UEFA Intertoto Cup, a tournament which West Ham would also go on to win.
Carrick would go on to play 154 times for West Ham, scoring six goals with five assists. However, his final seasons at the club were difficult. They suffered relegation from the Premier League in 2003 with a side that was considered too good to go down. Many of that squad, including Joe Cole, Paolo Di Canio and Jermain Defoe, would leave after that campaign. However, Carrick stayed and helped the Hammers make it to the playoff final of the First Division.
Despite losing to Crystal Palace in the match that would have ensured promotion to the Premier League, Carrick was still able play top-flight soccer the following season. He transferred to Tottenham Hotspur before becoming a legend with Manchester United.
Now, Carrick is United's head coach and takes his side to the London Stadium this week. Carrick has won all four of his games since taking charge from Ruben Amorim. This includes wins over Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham. Given this form, it is difficult to see West Ham getting anything from the game. However, the Hammers have won three out of their last five games and have home advantage.
Could Michael Carrick one day manage West Ham United?
Given his history with the club, Carrick has been previously linked with taking charge of West Ham. He is only United's manager until the end of the season, but if they keep on winning, then he will have a chance at getting the job permanently. This is despite the history United have had of appointing a caretaker manager permanently.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær did a great job in his interim period at United, but then failed to live up to expectations when getting the role full-time. Carrick replaced Solskjær as caretaker boss, where he was unbeaten in three games.
He then managed Middlesbrough in the Championship, but was sacked after the club finished 10th last season. Carrick has been parachuted back to the top due to his status at United, but he is taking advantage of it. If United do not take Carrick on beyond this season, Carrick will no doubt continue to be linked with taking charge at the London Stadium.