Middlesbrough make Michael Carrick sack decision after run of bad results – report

Middlesbrough have reportedly decided not to part ways with Manchester United legend Michael Carrick even as pressure mounts on him following a run of poor performances and results.

Carrick is currently the longest-serving Championship manager at 26 months and it seemed like his tenure was set to come to an end on Saturday after Middlesbrough were beaten 1-0 by Watford.

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson was in the stands to watch the defeat.

Boro are winless in their last four Championship games, securing just three victories in their last 15 matches while suffering six defeats in their last seven.

However, despite the woeful form, Boro are just four points off the play-off spots and have a game in hand.

According to TeessideLive, club bosses are keen to give Carrick time to turn things around and get the team back on the right track.

Gibson is believed to be a big admirer of the former United midfielder and is confident in his ability to end Boro’s current struggles, having successfully done so before.

Additionally, the players are all fully behind Carrick, who remains a “hugely popular” figure behind the scenes.

TeessideLive add that even though things have not gone according to plan so far this term, there remains hope that the campaign can be salvaged.

Boro are next in action on Friday at Bristol City ahead of a trip to Stoke and then a home game with Derby County.

A victory on Friday would be a significant step in easing the pressure on Carrick and temporarily silencing his critics.

The 43-year-old made 464 appearances for United during an extremely successful 12-year stint that saw him win five Premier League titles, the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, two League Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup before retiring in 2018.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social