Manchester United legend Michael Carrick called on help from Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of Middlesbrough's clash with Preston North End

It is the first full time managerial job for Michael Carrick, having otherwise previously only taken charge of three games on a caretaker basis. Those three games were in charge of Manchester United, so it’s not a bad place to start. In his three games he won two and drew one, with Chelsea, with one of his wins coming in the Champions League against Villareal.

It is a much publicised appointment due to the stellar career that Carrick had as a player, he won five league titles, two League Cups, an FA Cup, Europa League, Champions League and the Club World Cup whilst at Old Trafford during 11 years with the Red Devils.

He made the switch into coaching under Jose Mourinho, retiring as captain at United, but spent most of his playing days under Sir Alex Ferguson.

One of the world’s best ever manager, Carrick was quick to call on some advice from his former boss before taking over at Boro.

He said: “I spoke to Sir Alex a few times. I’ve spoken to him more since I stopped playing – I didn’t want to get too close to him when I was a player.

“I spoke to him a lot. It’s well documented that he has a real pride and a care about ex-players progressing and being coaches, managers and takes a real pride and care in helping them as well. He’s certainly done that to me and I really appreciate the advice he’s given me.”

“I thought I knew football to a point until I got to United, and it taught me a whole different way of living, breathing, how to play football, how to win, and it all stemmed from the boss. He was a huge, huge influence, improved my game, made me a better person in all sorts of different ways, so I’ve got a lot to thank him for.”

Carrick is unlikely to be like Ferguson when it comes to management, by his own admission.

He said: “Do I look like an angry Scotsman? Listen, you’ve got to be your own person to a point. Society and social circles are very different now to what they were some time ago.

“I’m well aware of that and I think you’ve got to treat the individuals all differently to a point and get the best out of them individually – which he did, by the way, in different ways, so I learned a lot from that. But again, I’ve got to trust my instincts and not try to copy too much. I’m my own person and I’m comfortable with that.”

First up for Carrick is a trip to Deepdale on Saturday, 3pm, and he must also get Boro away from the relegation zone. After a poor start to the season under Chris Wilder they find themselves outside of the relegation places by virtue of goals scored.

With Boro being an ambitious club, Carrick has a job on his hands to get them to where they want to be, at least short term.