Middlesbrough have parted ways with head coach Michael Carrick following a disappointing end to the 2024-25 Championship season. The former Manchester United and England midfielder, who took charge in October 2022, leaves after failing to secure a play-off spot in the past two campaigns.
Carrick’s assistants, Jonathan Woodgate and his brother Graeme Carrick, have also departed the club. The decision comes after a month-long review by the club’s hierarchy, who determined that a change was necessary despite Carrick’s initial success.
Carrick’s Tenure: A Mixed Bag
Early Success and Play-Off Push (2022-23)
Carrick arrived at Riverside Stadium with the club languishing in the Championship relegation zone after a poor start under Chris Wilder. His impact was immediate, transforming Boro’s fortunes with an attractive, attacking style of play.
- Guided Middlesbrough to a 4th-place finish in his first season.
- Reached the play-off semi-finals, where they were narrowly beaten by Coventry City.
- Earned praise for revitalizing the squad and implementing an exciting brand of football.
Near Misses in 2023-24 and 2024-25
Despite high expectations, Boro fell short in the following two seasons:
- 2023-24: Finished 8th, four points outside the play-offs.
- 2024-25: Sat in play-off contention for much of the season but collapsed in the final six games, winning just once.
- A 2-0 defeat to Coventry on the final day sealed their fate, leaving them 10th in the table.
Carrick’s departure means 17 of last season’s 24 Championship clubs have now changed managers since August 2024.
Why Was Carrick Sacked?
1. Failure to Meet Promotion Expectations
Middlesbrough’s ownership had budgeted for a promotion push, but the team’s late-season slump cost them dearly. The Championship’s play-off threshold was the lowest in a decade, making their failure even more frustrating.
2. Defensive Fragility and Inconsistency
While Boro played attractive football under Carrick, they struggled defensively:
- Conceded 18 losses in 2024-25.
- Often dropped points from winning positions.
- Lacked resilience in crucial matches.
3. Fan Discontent
Supporters grew increasingly frustrated with the team’s inability to deliver when it mattered. The atmosphere at the Riverside turned sour towards the end of the season, with many calling for change.
4. Club’s Long-Term Vision
Boro’s hierarchy conducted a thorough review before making the decision, signaling they believe a new direction is needed to end their 10-year Premier League exile.
What’s Next for Middlesbrough?
Potential Managerial Candidates
With Carrick gone, Middlesbrough will now search for a replacement who can deliver promotion. Early contenders include:
- Rob Edwards – Highly rated by Boro’s head of football, Kieran Scott.
- Danny Röhl – Impressed at Sheffield Wednesday and could be a target.
- Frank Lampard – Available and has Championship experience.
- Scott Parker – Former Bournemouth and Fulham boss.
Challenges for the New Manager
- Rebuilding squad morale after a deflating season.
- Addressing defensive issues to make Boro more resilient.
- Balancing attractive football with results to reignite fan enthusiasm.
Analysis: Did Boro Make the Right Decision?
The Case for Keeping Carrick
- Play-off near misses suggest he wasn’t far from success.
- Played progressive football, which fans appreciated.
- Stability is rare in the Championship, and constant changes can backfire.
The Case for Change
- Regression over two seasons after initial promise.
- Late-season collapses became a worrying trend.
- Fresh ideas may be needed to break the cycle.
Verdict: While Carrick’s sacking may seem harsh, the club’s ambition to return to the Premier League demands consistent progress—something that stalled under his leadership.
What’s Next for Michael Carrick?
Despite his dismissal, Carrick’s reputation remains intact. His work at Boro showcased his potential, and he could attract interest from:
- Other Championship clubs needing a rebuild.
- Premier League assistant roles (possibly a return to Manchester United under Erik ten Hag?).
- International coaching opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Middlesbrough’s decision to sack Michael Carrick marks the end of an era that promised much but ultimately fell short. While his first season brought excitement and a play-off push, the last two campaigns highlighted stagnation.
The next appointment will be crucial—Boro need a manager who can bridge the gap between potential and promotion. For Carrick, this setback could be a stepping stone to greater opportunities elsewhere.
Who do you think should replace Carrick? Should Boro have given him more time? Let us know in the comments! ⚽🔥
