West Ham ‘eye Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick as potential replacement for Julen Lopetegui’ – with Spaniard facing must-win game against Gary O’Neil’s Wolves

Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has been identified by West Ham as a potential replacement for Julen Lopetegui, a report has claimed. 

Mail Sport revealed on Wednesday that the Spaniard’s position was under major scrutiny following Tuesday night’s 3-1 loss at Leicester – the latest blow during Lopetegui’s underwhelming start since being appointed in May.

The Hammers hierarchy decided on Lopetegui’s immediate future in discussions held on Thursday morning and have given serious consideration to dispensing with their head coach after just seven months in charge.

For now, the former Real Madrid manager has escaped the sack and is expected to be in the dugout for the Hammer’s huge clash against Wolves on Monday but according to The Mirror, the London club are keeping a close eye on Carrick. 

The former midfielder made 100 appearances for the side before joining Tottenham in 2004 and then going on enjoying success with Manchester United. 

Since retirement, Carrick has built an impressive coaching resume and is into his third year with the north east club, who he led to the play-offs in his maiden campaign. 

The former Real Madrid manager has been given one game to save his job at the London Stadium

Boro have begun this season in similar fashion and currently sit fifth in the Championship table after 19 matches. Carrick also held a coaching role at Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and briefly took caretaker charge of the club after his 2021 sacking. 

In addition to the former England international, Graham Potter, it is understood, is also a contender to replace Lopetegui. Edin Terzic and Sergio Conceicao also have support at boardroom level. 

Ahead of their crunch match at the London Stadium, Lopetegui admitted the ‘fans are always right’ after Hammers supporters called for him to be sacked. But he insisted he wouldn’t walk away from the challenge. 

‘I am not thinking about this,’ said Lopetegui. ‘We’re unhappy and the fans are always right. Until now, they have given us much more than we’ve given them. I won’t talk bad about my players. I accept all the responsibility and pressure.

‘I’m very happy and proud to stay at West Ham. We’re going to change this situation.’

Lopetegui said he remains in contact with Hammers co-owner David Sullivan, despite the talks this week over his future.

‘I talk with him minimum one or two times a week,’ said Lopetegui. ‘He was one kind of owner that was very close with us, the way he talks with us. I am not going to tell you when I am going to talk to him. I talk with him always.’