Next Rangers manager: Man Utd legend in frame after Steven Gerrard twist
Rangers could turn their attention to Michael Carrick as their search for a new manager continues following Steven Gerrard's decision to reject a return to Ibrox
Rangers are weighing up a move for ex-Manchester United star Michael Carrick, who has been out of work since June, but could return with the Ibrox hierarchy on the hunt for their next manager.
The Scottish giants have endured a dire start to their season, winning just one of their seven league games, which ultimately cost Russell Martin his job. Immediately Steven Gerrard was identified as the ideal candidate but after days of talks he has turned down the chance to return.
It has sent Rangers back into the market and Sky Sports claims they are considering a move for Carrick. He was sacked by Middlesbrough, where he had spent just shy of three years at the helm, leading them to the play-offs in his first season.
Middlesbrough spent much of last season challenging for a play-off spot but they claimed just win in their final six matches which proved costly. They were in the hunt for a top-six place until the final game of the season but ultimately finished in 10th.
Carrick also spent time at Old Trafford, serving as an assistant to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He briefly took the reigns on the red side of Manchester and went unbeaten during his interim three-game stint.
READ MORE: Steven Gerrard's message to Rangers fans after turning down manager jobREAD MORE: Steven Gerrard makes shock Rangers call as Russell Martin replacement decision madeIt is understood that Carrick is on a shortlist which also includes the likes of former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl. Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna is another candidate - he worked with Carrick in Manchester. Ex-Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is also in the frame.
Rangers have endured several embarrassments on the European stage and are a staggering 11 points off Hearts, who sit at the top in Scotland. Celtic are already nine points clear with those from Ibrox trying to end their stranglehold north of the border.
The club's bosses are coming under fire after their latest hire in Martin lasted just 123 days. They've since said: "When we took over the club this summer, we shared what we want to build for Rangers - to win trophies in Scotland and be able to compete at a high level in Europe.
"We know achieving these goals will take time, but our performances and results have not been good enough. We know you are frustrated - we are too. We did not get this right, and it’s our responsibility to fix it and get us back on track."
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