Exclusive: Middlesbrough making Michael Carrick sack decision
Middlesbrough are set to decide in the next week whether to sack Michael Carrick, sources have told Football Insider.
The former Manchester United man’s job on Teesside is under major threat after the team failed to reach the Championship play-offs in the just-completed season.
Club chiefs are evaluating the manager’s position in the wake of the team’s failure to achieve promotion back to the Premier League.
Carrick has been in charge at Boro since taking over in October 2022 and signed a new three-year contract last summer that runs until the summer of 2027.
Despite being backed by chairman Steve Gibson, a play-off spot has eluded the former England midfielder over the past two seasons.
An eventual tenth-place finish in 2024-25 marked another disappointing campaign for the North-East club, and a final decision on Carrick’s future is now imminent.
Middlesbrough’s inconsistent season leaves more questions than answers
Middlesbrough won just one of their final six league games last term – a home win against bottom club Plymouth Argyle – and eventually finished four points away from a play-off spot.
An inconsistent season saw the Riverside Stadium outfit eventually witness rivals Sunderland clinch promotion to the Premier League with a Wembley victory over Sheffield United.
Carrick endured a particularly poor vein of form during the winter months of the campaign, registering just one win in the Championship during February.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points |
| 6. Bristol City (Play-offs) | 46 | 17 | 17 | 12 | 68 |
| 7. Blackburn | 46 | 19 | 9 | 18 | 66 |
| 8. Millwall | 46 | 18 | 12 | 16 | 66 |
| 9. West Brom | 46 | 15 | 19 | 12 | 64 |
| 10. Middlesbrough | 46 | 18 | 10 | 18 | 64 |
Having scored more goals than third-placed Sheffield United, there are reasons for optimism on Teesside ahead of a crucial 2025-26 campaign.
As they look return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017, it remains to be seen if it will be Carrick steering the ship when next season comes around.
‘Leeds learn Middlesbrough’s asking price for Finn Azaz’
Meanwhile, Leeds are among a number of Premier League clubs interested in Finn Azaz, with Middlesbrough expected to demand a hefty sum for the midfielder.
Azaz moved to Middlesbrough from Aston Villa in January 2024, and he has impressed during his time at the Riverside.
Last season, the Ireland international racked up 12 goals and 11 assists, and was the league’s seventh top scorer despite playing as a number 10.
For more Middlesbrough and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.