Carrick's forgotten Madrid romance: From Sanz's transfer target to Pep's nemesis
How Michael Carrick nearly joined Real Madrid in 2006 before his legendary United career, and his journey to outfoxing Guardiola as a manager.
Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough side just handed Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City a proper spanking, but few remember how close the English midfield maestro came to donning the famous white shirt of Real Madrid.
The Forgotten Madrid Connection
Back in summer 2006, while Carrick was still turning out for Tottenham, he found himself on a very interesting shopping list. Lorenzo Sanz, running for Real Madrid presidency at the time, had earmarked the midfielder as one of his priority signings should he win the election.
Sanz wasn’t shy about his admiration either, publicly declaring: “He has quality and is very good in his position” - high praise from a former Madrid president who knew a player when he saw one.
The plan was ambitious but concrete. Carrick was part of a five-player wishlist that included Emerson and Zambrotta from Juventus, Gago from Boca Juniors, and Boulahrouz from Hamburg. None were “galácticos” as Sanz put it, but all were seen as team players who could strengthen the squad.
The Monchi Factor
What makes this transfer saga even more intriguing is that Sanz had reportedly secured agreements with two football masterminds to oversee his project:
- Vicente del Bosque would return as manager
- Monchi would leave Sevilla to become sporting director
This dream team would’ve given their blessing to Carrick’s arrival, potentially changing the trajectory of Spanish football. Monchi, the transfer guru who built Sevilla into a powerhouse, was more cautious about the move, noting several conditions needed to be met first.
What Actually Happened
In the end, the dominoes never fell. Sanz finished fourth in the presidential race, with Ramón Calderón emerging victorious. This meant:
- Carrick joined Manchester United for £18.6 million
- Monchi stayed at Sevilla
- Madrid signed Cannavaro, Emerson, Van Nistelrooy, Diarra and Reyes instead
The rest, as they say, is history. Carrick went on to become a United legend, winning 18 trophies including five Premier Leagues and a Champions League during his 12-year playing career at Old Trafford.
Full Circle Moment
Fast forward to 2024, and Carrick’s managerial career is gathering pace. His tactical nous was on full display as his Middlesbrough side knocked Guardiola’s City out of the FA Cup with a 2-0 victory – proof that the football brain that attracted Real Madrid’s interest all those years ago is still razor-sharp.
For Madrid fans, it’s a case of what might have been. For the rest of us, it’s another fascinating “sliding doors” moment in football history.