Michael Carrick must take Middlesbrough exit on the chin after Steve Gibson backing

Michael Carrick must take Middlesbrough exit on the chin after Steve Gibson backing — Tony Pulis advice for ex-Manchester United star

Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough dismissal may have come as a personal setback, but for Tony Pulis, it’s a necessary rite of passage for any manager aiming to make their name in the dugout.

Carrick’s 20-month reign at the Riverside ended this month after Boro fell short of promotion ambitions for a second successive season. Having taken charge in October 2022, the former Manchester United and England midfielder initially guided Boro from the lower half of the Championship into the play-offs. But last season’s regression — missing out on the top six entirely — ultimately cost him his job.

Yet, according to former Boro boss Tony Pulis, Carrick should have no complaints. In fact, Pulis believes Carrick can reflect on the experience with pride, particularly given the support he received from chairman Steve Gibson.

“Steve Gibson is one of the most supportive owners in football,” Pulis told GazetteLive. “He gives his managers every chance. He backs them in the transfer market, he backs them when times get tough. But football is a results business — and Michael will know that better than anyone now.”

Pulis, who managed Boro between 2017 and 2019, knows first-hand the demands at the Riverside. While he led the club to the play-offs in his first full season, a failure to secure promotion led to his own departure. For him, Carrick’s sacking isn’t a harsh decision but a reflection of the reality of football management.

“When you step into management, especially at a club with the ambition and history of Middlesbrough, you have to expect the pressure,” Pulis said. “Michael had a brilliant start, he brought a style of play that lifted the fans. But over time, results dipped and that’s when you’re tested. It’s about how you respond — and sometimes, you don’t get the chance to put it right.”

Pulis also suggested that this experience could serve Carrick well in his managerial career. “Every top manager has taken a knock. The best thing Michael can do is take this on the chin, reflect on what worked and what didn’t, and go again. He’s young, he’s got a bright future, but this will toughen him up.”

Gibson’s patience with Carrick was evident in last season’s transfer business, with Boro backing the head coach in both windows and reshaping the squad. However, injuries, inconsistency, and missed opportunities meant the club failed to mount a serious promotion push.

While some fans have questioned the timing of the decision, Pulis was adamant that Gibson acted in the best interests of the club. “No owner wants to sack a manager, especially one they’ve backed. But Steve will have looked at the big picture. Middlesbrough needs to be pushing for promotion — that’s the expectation.”

As Carrick now reflects on his time on Teesside, Pulis’s advice is clear: “This won’t define him. It’s part of the journey. If he learns from it, he’ll be better for it. The important thing is how he bounces back.”

For Carrick, the challenge of management is only just beginning — and as Tony Pulis knows well, the real lessons come when things don’t go your way.

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