EFL Analysis can now reveal who is in pole position to become the next Middlesbrough manager after Michael Carrick’s exit.
After being hired as Middlesbrough’s manager in 2022, Michael Carrick had a successful first season at Riverside Stadium that resulted in a play-off finish.
Following the sale of leading goal scorer Chuba Akpom to Ajax and the return of numerous important loan players to their parent clubs in the summer of 2023, Boro’s roster was severely thinned out.
Conversely, 2023–2024 was viewed as a rebuilding season, and the Teessiders finished four points outside the top six.
However, Middlesbrough was anticipated to make a serious run at the playoffs in 2024–2025 after bolstering themselves last summer and holding onto all of their best players.
However, it did not occur, and Steve Gibson has chosen to split from Carrick following an internal review.
Steve Cooper favourite to replace Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough
Finding a successor for the former Manchester United player is now the responsibility of Kieran Scott, who was recently granted a new contract with Middlesbrough.
As previously stated, EFL Analysis is aware that Steve Cooper, the former manager of Nottingham Forest and Leicester City, is at the top of Boro’s shortlist.
But Jon Dahl-Tomasson and Rob Edwards, who was formerly of Luton Town, have also been considered.
“Steve Gibson went with the big name appointment in Carrick, but Rob Edwards and Steve Cooper were interviewed before Michael Carrick,” said Graeme Bailey, our resident transfer specialist, in response to our question about the matter.
Cooper is now available, and Boro discussed a change with him in January.
Cooper is now available, and Boro discussed a change with him in January.
Cooper hasn’t been connected to any positions this summer, and I’m convinced he wants the Boro position.
However, as previously stated, Edwards has supporters at Boro as well, and it’s safe to assume that he wouldn’t turn down The Riverside.
Michael Carrick record as Middlesbrough manager
Boro’s 2024–2025 10th-place result was the lowest of the Carrick era and tied for the worst since 2020–2021.
The Englishman oversaw 136 games in all competitions in his 953 days as manager.
Of those, he won sixty-three, drew twenty-four, and lost the other forty-nine with Middlesbrough.
Under Carrick, the North East team averaged 1.57 points per game, scoring 1.62 goals and giving up 1.30.
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