Michael Carrick emerges as contender to become Middlesbrough head coach and replace Chris Wilder

Former Manchester United and England midfielder Michael Carrick is among the contenders to take over as Middlesbrough head coach.

The 41-year-old is on the list of possible replacements for the fired Chris Wilder and an interview could take place early next week.

Carrick has been out of work for a three-game jaunt at United following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last year.

Middlesbrough looking for a new manager following Chris Wilder’s (above) resignation this week

Hailing from the northeast, he’s a perfect fit for Boro owner Steve Gibson, who is said to prefer a head coach over a manager.

It is clear that the club is keen to distance themselves from the profile of previous bosses such as Wilder and Neil Warnock.

Boro now wants a younger coach to partner with football head Kieran Scott.

Carrick has worked as an assistant to both Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford and was surprised to leave the club after an interim spell that saw two wins and a draw.

Former Watford boss Rob Edwards has already spoken to Middlesbrough about the position

Meanwhile, former Watford boss Rob Edwards has already spoken to Boro and has a close relationship with Scott.

The Teessiders fired Wilder on Monday with the team in the championship relegation zone.

Caretaker Leo Percovich lifted them from the bottom three after a 1-0 win over Birmingham on Wednesday.

Percovich will once again take charge of Millwall’s team on Saturday.