Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can see Michael Carrick eventually returning to Old Trafford.

Carrick has thrived as Middlesbrough manager this season in his first major management post.

Solskjaer told the Athletic of his former United No2: "Michael is a man of values and principles, a great family man, but his knowledge is also unsurpassed. He has had Sir Alex Ferguson and José Mourinho as coaches, and he has played with the best players in the world. He is a winner but he is still in control of his emotions.

"I can't see him not becoming Manchester United coach. At United I sometimes saw Michael talking to the players. Some of these were former teammates of his, which is not easy, but he had an authority.

"I am 100 percent sure that Michael will become the manager of Manchester United if he wants to be."