Manchester United legend Michael Carrick has downplayed speculation he is set for an imminent return to management amid speculation linking him to the vacant Wolves job.
Vitor Pereira was dismissed on Sunday, just weeks after signing a new long-term contract. following a disastrous start to the new season.
The experienced Portuguese coach took over from Gary O’Neil last December and guided the club away from the relegation zone before he secured a 16th-placed finish after a notable double over Manchester United.
Pereira put pen to paper on a new deal on September 16 but a downturn in results saw the 57-year-old sacked in the wake of Saturday’s 3-0 loss at Fulham.
The former Porto boss Pereira had considered his future in the summer after key figures like Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri were sold and replaced by players without Premier League experience.
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‘It has been a privilege to manage Wolverhampton Wanderers and experience unique moments with this club and its supporters,’ he wrote on Instagram following confirmation of his depature.
‘I would like to thank the club’s owners for their trust, the players for their hard work and commitment over these months, and all the staff for making me feel part of the family.
‘I wish the club all the best for the rest of the season.’
Attention has immediately turned to sourcing a replacement with Carrick, former Wolves boss O’Neil and Rob Edwards all in the frame.
Carrick has been out of work since he was let go by Middlesbrough in the summer after a disappointing 10th placed finish in the Championship last season.
Addressing the possibility of him taking over at Molineux, Carrick told MOTD2: ‘I’m enjoying some time out at the moment and I’m probably watching as much football as I’ve ever watched.
Next Wolves manager odds
Gary O’Neil Evens
Rui Borges 6/1
Brendan Rodgers 8/1
Rob Edwards 8/1
Sergio Conceição 12/1
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 14/1
Robbie Keane 16/1
Michael Carrick 16/1
‘With a free eye and nothing on it. Still learning, still trying to improve from that side of things.
‘But I’m enjoying doing things like this (media work), it’s a change, spending time with the family and see what’s next.’
Youth-team coaches James Collins, who leads the Under-21 team, and Under-18 boss Richard Walker will take training while the club searches for Pereira’s replacement.
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