It's the moment you realise just how old you are - another member of England's golden generation became a manager after Michael Carrick's spell as interim boss of Manchester United.
There were some terrific leaders in the 2006 World Cup squad that went to Germany under Sven Goran Eriksson, and it's no surprise to see vocal characters like John Terry, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard make ventures into the dugout.
Carrick was always seen as a more quiet player compared to his other team-mates, a player who led by example on the pitch with his consistent displays - and was given a chance to show a different side to himself after leading his former side through a tricky period following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking.