Carrick was ready to quit management before landing Manchester United job

Michael Carrick was considering walking away from football management before being handed the reins at Manchester United, his former teammate and close friend Nicky Butt has revealed. According to the Red Devils legend, Carrick was not convinced management was for him, but was willing to return for the opportunity to lead the Old Trafford club.

"I was with Michael before he got the United job, and we were talking about coaching. He told me: 'No, it's not for me. It's too much, my head's fried. I would only do the big job, and the big job is United,'" Butt said.

Carrick was initially placed in interim charge of Manchester United in January following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. After steering the side to Champions League qualification, the former midfielder was awarded a two-year contract as permanent manager. Prior to that, he spent nearly three years at the helm of Middlesbrough, falling short of securing promotion to the Premier League. However, Carrick is currently under intense pressure as United have endured their worst top-flight start to a season in 40 years, claiming just one victory from their opening six matches. A 1-1 draw with Tottenham has only heightened the scrutiny, with fellow club icon Paul Scholes labelling the squad "cowards" and questioning whether they can deliver when it matters most.