Michael Carrick got manager's job over me - I struggle for work because of my reputation

Ferguson claims his hardman reputation from playing days has cost him management opportunities, including a Middlesbrough job that went to Carrick.

Duncan Ferguson has suggested his fierce playing reputation—built over a 12-year Premier League career, largely at Everton, and marked by nine red cards—has hindered his managerial prospects. The 54-year-old, who had interim spells in charge at Everton in 2019 and 2022, told The Telegraph that he lost out on the Middlesbrough job a couple of years ago when Michael Carrick reversed his decision to turn it down. Ferguson said he performed well in the interview and was told by the two interviewers they wanted to give him the role, but owner Steve Gibson ultimately backed Carrick when the Manchester United manager changed his mind.

Since his temporary Everton roles, Ferguson has managed Forest Green Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle. He recently took over as head coach of NIFL Premiership side Glentoran, describing the move as costly but necessary to return to the touchline. He acknowledged that being out of football leaves him restless, saying a week without work feels like a year.