Michael Carrick narrowly misses out on return to dugout six months after Man Utd exit

Lincoln City have appointed former Premier League winger Mark Kennedy as their new manager after reportedly overlooking Michael Carrick for the role.

The League One outfit were on the hunt for their next boss after Michael Appleton stepped down from his position earlier this month. Lincoln - who lost last season's League One play-off final 2-1 to Blackpool at Wembley - finished 17th in the table this term.

Carrick was part of Jose Mourinho's and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's coaching staff at Manchester United before quitting the club when Ralf Rangnick became interim boss in December. The 40-year-old was the Red Devils' caretaker manager for three games before the German's arrival, winning two and drawing one.

According to the Daily Mail, Carrick was being considered for the vacant role at Lincoln. It's believed he was interested, yet the EFL outfit have appointed Kennedy instead. The 45-year-old has left his role as Birmingham City's assistant boss to take the job.

Kennedy, who won 34 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland, represented Liverpool, Wimbledon, Manchester City and Wolves in the Premier League. He made more than 500 professional appearances during a 20-year professional career.

“Over the course of many hours of interviews, we have been hugely impressed by Mark’s knowledge, energy, drive and passion," said Lincoln chairman Clive Nates. "We know that he is a highly respected coach, and in the interview process, he impressed us with his desire to improve and develop players while creating an aggressive, attacking style of play that we believe will be successful in League One and excite our fans."

Carrick is still looking for his next role in football after leaving United. Speaking to The Independent in