- Jonathan Woodgate joined Michael Carrick at Manchester United
- The former Leeds United star working as assistant coach
- Will collide with his former playing club on Monday
When Jonathan Woodgate joined Michael Carrick’s coaching staff in January, it raised eyebrows on both sides of the Pennines. Leeds United fans watched uncomfortably as their former crown jewel celebrated in a Manchester United tracksuit.
Meanwhile, a handful of Reds fans were uneasy, the feeling being that it didn’t sit right that a former Leeds star had such an important role at the club. The excellent results since Carrick and his coaching staff began work should have won them over.
Manchester United have won seven games in the Premier League, drawing twice and losing just once, putting them in pole position to secure Champions League football. Woodgate has played a key role behind the scenes, making what Carrick described as “inroads” with defenders through individual work.
From Leeds heartbreak to Manchester United success
Woodgate’s footballing journey has been unusual. Growing up a Middlesbrough fan, he moved to Leeds as a 16-year-old. Reflecting on his departure years later, he admitted (via The Times):
“I was crying leaving the training ground because I didn’t want to go – I was absolutely devastated. I was happy at Leeds. I loved the club, and it was like a family to me.”
That devotion to Leeds made his arrival at Manchester United all the more surprising to outsiders. But Carrick knew exactly what he was getting.
The pair first worked together at Middlesbrough in 2022, where Woodgate served as a first-team coach after previously managing Boro and Bournemouth. He put aside managerial ambitions of his own to join Carrick’s staff. Now at United, his impact has been undeniable.
Carrick’s Defensive Right-Hand Man
Carrick has been effusive in his praise of Woodgate, explaining his role in the backroom staff:
“Woody has been massive ever since I’ve walked through the door. The impact on me and around the place is massive. His character, knowledge and love of the game. He sees things a little bit differently than me, having obviously played at the back. We feed off each other in a good, dynamic way. He’s constantly looking at different things to what I might see and helping the boys develop. Defence is one of the things we’ve really been conscious of and trying to focus on. Woody does a lot of work with the back four, and credit to him for that.”
The players have responded. During United’s training camp in the Republic of Ireland, Woodgate was standing yards away when Harry Maguire rifled in a goal during a drill, and he shouted:
“Oh H! H!” It is a small moment that captures his enthusiasm.
Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot and Maguire have all credited the coaching staff with helping United improve. One north-east contact summed up the feeling around Woodgate: “Chuffed for Woody. Hope you get a chance to speak to him at some point. He’s good as gold, brilliant fella.” Whatever his past at Leeds, his present at Manchester United is proving invaluable
