Michael Carrick has revealed how Steve Holland entered the equation, when it came to picking his Manchester United coaching staff.
The hugely experienced and respected coach, who worked at Chelsea and as Gareth Southgate's assistant with England, was named as part of a support team that includes Travis Binnion, Jonny Evans, Craig Mawson and Jonathan Woodgate.
It was a first involvement with the Reds for Holland, and he has played his part in helping United win three games out of three since their arrival at Carrington.
Michael's brother Graeme, who also has extensive coaching experience in the game, including within Newcastle United's Academy, floated the idea during talks between the pair.
“I think, when talks were progressing, when it looked like I might be coming in here, I was spending some time thinking about what the staff might look like,
“ said Michael
”Actually having conversations with my brother [Graeme], as I do all the time, about what it might look like. He ended up mentioning Steve, as he knew him from the FA and I’d come across Steve a number of times.
“I was fully aware of his experience and quality as a coach, and experience as well,”
he added, during the embargoed part of his press conference to preview Saturday's Premier League contest with Tottenham Hotspur.
“It ticked a lot of boxes and that kind of just went from there, I spoke to Steve and we clicked straight away. As with the rest of the staff, to be honest, with Jonny, Jonathan and Trav and Craig, there’s been a good balance and connection between us. It feels like we’ve been together much longer than just these three weeks.”
Graeme Carrick was a long-serving coach with England's youth service and was most recently part of Michael's backroom team at Middlesbrough.