Harry Redknapp did not really see a manager in Michael Carrick when the current Manchester United boss played for him earlier in his career.

It was a long time ago that Carrick played under Redknapp, as the midfielder came through the ranks at West Ham, making his debut in 1999.

Redknapp was in charge then, until leaving the Hammers in 2001, with Carrick moving on in 2004 when he left for Tottenham.

The 79-year-old is a big fan of Carrick as a person and tried to sign him when he was in charge of Portsmouth, but did not think his personality would suit management.

‘I can’t say I always saw a manager in him,’ Redknapp told The Sun.

‘Michael’s always been a lovely guy from a lovely family, a really intelligent footballer who knew the game, read it, controlled matches. But he’s always been a quiet lad, too, laid-back. It’s what he is.

‘When United scored against Tottenham the other day, he wasn’t running up and down the touchline — the complete opposite to Roberto De Zerbi, kissing the ball and all that when they equalised.’

Carrick is under pressure at Old Trafford after a disappointing start to the season, but Redknapp hopes the calm character is not axed by the Red Devils board.

‘Results haven’t been great but I hope he turns it around and keeps the job because I love him,’ he said. ‘I know that some of the fans want the United manager to be a bigger character. I get that.

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‘Michael is a bit more like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Ralf Rangnick. But they’ve had Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho as well, big personalities, and it’s just not worked.’

The Manchester United boss was asked in a recent press conference if he feels he should show more emotion and seemed confused by the idea.

‘I need to show more emotion?’ Carrick asked. ‘In what way? What do you want me to show?’

We said of his nature: ‘We don’t like losing football matches, so it’s not that I don’t feel the emotion of losing football matches. But it doesn’t affect how I think on what I need to do next.’