Wigan Athletic boss Kolo Toure has heaped praise on former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick.

Carrick, now in the dugout at Middlesbrough, will resume the long-standing United/Arsenal rivalry against Toure when they face off on Boxing Day.

And Toure, who was part of the Arsenal Invincibles during the height of the rivalry, praised Carrick as a player and said it was not surprising to see him doing well now.

He told Wigan Today: "It's a great challenge for us. I like challenges, and this is another challenge. They're a very good team with a very good manager that I know very well.

"As a player, Michael was unbelievable, and it's no surprise to see what he's doing as a manager.

"He knows the game, he's a very intelligent guy, and he's doing a great job. We're all looking forward to it, definitely."

Carrick was appointed at Middlesbrough on October 24, and has won four of his seven Championship games.