West Bromwich Albion have been thrust into another managerial search, their third in just twelve months, after parting ways with Ryan Mason earlier this week. The club now faces a critical decision that will shape their immediate future in the Championship.
The Search for Stability After Mason's Exit
Ryan Mason was dismissed after winning only nine of his 26 league matches in charge, leaving the Baggies languishing in 18th place. With 13 defeats in that period, the team found themselves closer to the relegation zone than the play-off spots, a situation deemed unacceptable for a side that began the season targeting a top-six finish. This follows the unsuccessful tenure of Tony Mowbray, who himself could not replicate the success of Carlos Corberan.
The Albion hierarchy are under pressure to make an appointment that instils a clear sense of progression. The new manager will not be expected to perform miracles overnight, but must lay a solid foundation for the club to build upon and reconnect with a disillusioned fanbase.
Michael Carrick: The Pragmatic Candidate
In this context, one available candidate stands out as the obvious choice: former Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick. The 44-year-old, a veteran of 464 appearances for Manchester United as a player, has been out of work since leaving Middlesbrough in June 2025 and is ready for a new challenge.
Carrick's credentials are compelling. In his debut full season as a head coach at Middlesbrough, he guided the team to a fourth-place finish and the play-offs, playing an attractive brand of football that yielded 84 goals – the second-highest tally in the Championship that year.
His pragmatic and tactically versatile approach is precisely what West Brom need to steady the ship. While his subsequent two seasons at the Riverside Stadium ended without further play-off qualification, his teams remained consistently on the fringe, missing out by just four points on both occasions.
The Potential Obstacle: Manchester United Links
However, securing Carrick's services is not a foregone conclusion. Reports from BBC Sport suggest he is a front-runner for a role at Manchester United, potentially as a caretaker manager or as a key member of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's backroom staff for the remainder of the season.
This presents a significant hurdle for West Brom's owners, Bilkul. If Carrick is enticed by a return to Old Trafford, the search must begin anew. But if he is available, the argument for his appointment is powerful. He represents a manager with proven Championship pedigree, a modern philosophy, and the potential for growth.
Carrick's final season at Boro, which included 18 defeats, shows he is not the finished article. Yet, for a West Brom side in need of direction rather than glamour, his blend of experience, calm demeanour, and attacking ethos could be the perfect fit. Giving him the keys to The Hawthorns could be the first step in returning the club to a happier and more competitive state.
