Man United great scored 'very well' in Liverpool manager search

A former Manchester United midfielder reportedly scored ‘very well’ in Liverpool’s manager search to replace Jurgen Klopp.

David Ornstein had an interesting line as he answered questions for the Athletic this week. Michael Carrick was the subject, and what his future looks like.

Carrick has revitalised Middlesbrough, turning them into a true contender for promotion next season. But will he still be there?

Ornstein explained that the former England midfielder scores 'very well' for teams in their data analysis on managers. Including, apparently, Liverpool's.

"I really like what I've seen and heard about Carrick, his style of play and backroom team," said Ornstein.

"He scores very well on the data analysis conducted by clubs who have been/are looking at the managerial market (even Liverpool when they were in the process of finding Klopp's successor) and he looks to be building an impressive early career in the dugout."

Michael Carrick as manager

Now, to be clear, Ornstein hasn't suggested at all that Liverpool even considered Carrick as their next manager. It's simply the case that his name popped up as someone to watch while they did their research.

Not only is Carrick a world away from the top of the Premier League, but he's a Manchester United great. Just not the fit Liverpool want right now. At all, really.

But it does show how wide Liverpool cast the net while searching. It appears they first landed on Xabi Alonso and are ultimately pushing to get Arne Slot from Feyenoord.

That's at the end of a thorough hunt for Jurgen Klopp's successor - one of the most difficult tasks in football right now. Carrick certainly won't be the next manager but everyone should expect him to be a name to hear more of over the coming years.

Whether that's in the context of Liverpool's next manager, we don't know. But we'll hope things don't head down that route.