05 September 2023 , 18:39
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Michael Carrick has admitted he consulted former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney before making his newest Middlesbrough signing.
The Boro boss was able to bring Lewis O'Brien to the Riverside on transfer deadline day. But that was not before the former Old Trafford mainstay picked up the phone to his old colleague to do his due diligence on the midfielder.
The ex-Red Devils favourite seemingly liked what he heard during his discussion with the D.C. United head coach, who has already managed the 24-year-old. O'Brien spent a few months on loan at the MLS outfit from Nottingham Forest and impressed Rooney during that time.
However, the US franchise were unable to secure his services for longer and he would eventually return to the City Ground in July. In all, the midfielder made 18 appearances and scored once during his time stateside.
Now, Carrick has explained how the former Huddersfield Town man received a glowing reference from Rooney. The Middlesbrough chief told Teeside Live : “I had a chat with Wayne [Rooney] about Lewis [O'Brien] and he had really good things to say.
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"He really enjoyed his time over there and it was a new experience for him both as a player and a person, and adds to what he can bring to us. We’re looking forward to getting him settled in."
Adding his excitement over completing a deal for the player, he asserted: "We’re looking forward to getting him settled in. I think Lewis is a very good footballer and has gained very good experience of success at this level as well.
Michael Carrick has swooped for former MLS loan star Lewis O'Brien and asked for Wayne Rooney's advice (Getty Images)"He knows what it takes in this league. He gives us good variety and is a little bit different to what we’ve got. But at the same time, we feel that he will be able to fit in quite quickly.
Carrick added: "He’s a really good, humble and hard-working lad who is desperate to do well. We talk about the player and what he can bring [on the pitch] but actually the person themselves and fitting into the group is what we class as being vital. He certainly ticks all of the boxes."
The North Yorkshire side have made a slow start to the Championship season, winning just once and losing four of their opening fixtures. Despite finishing fourth in the second tier last term they currently sit rooted to the bottom of the table, as a result of their woes.