Michael Carrick has been sacked as manager of Middlesbrough after the club missed out on a place in the Championship playoffs for the second straight season. The decision was officially confirmed by the club on Wednesday, bringing an end to Carrick’s tenure at the Riverside Stadium.
The former Manchester United and England midfielder, who took charge of Boro in October 2022, had been expected to guide the team back to the Premier League. After a strong first season that saw him lead Middlesbrough to the playoffs in 2022/23, the last two campaigns have ended in disappointment—culminating in a 10th-place finish this term, four points off the top six.
Club Statement Confirms Carrick’s Exit
Middlesbrough issued a statement thanking Carrick and his coaching staff for their service:
“Middlesbrough Football Club has today parted company with head coach Michael Carrick. Michael’s assistants, Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Carrick, have also departed the club. We’d like to thank Michael, Jonathan, and Graeme for all their hard work and unwavering commitment. We wish them all the very best for the future.”
Carrick’s departure marks the end of an era that began with promise but ended in frustration for both the club and its fans.
The club has today parted company with head coach Michael Carrick.
Full statement ⤵️
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) June 4, 2025
A Promising Start That Faded Away
Carrick’s arrival in 2022 brought renewed hope to Middlesbrough supporters. The former midfielder, who had a brief spell as caretaker manager at Manchester United before joining Boro, injected confidence and attacking flair into the team.
Under his guidance, Middlesbrough surged into the playoffs in his debut season. However, they failed to earn promotion and couldn’t maintain that momentum in the following campaigns.
This season’s run-in proved to be the final straw. Middlesbrough won just one of their final six league games, failing to capitalize on a tightly contested playoff race. They eventually finished 10th in the Championship with 68 points—just four shy of sixth-placed Norwich City.
Pressure Builds After Missed Opportunities
Despite having one of the league’s better squads on paper, Carrick’s Boro were inconsistent throughout the season. There were periods of brilliance, including big wins against top-half teams, but those moments were offset by frustrating losses and drawn matches against lower-ranked sides.
The inability to find form when it mattered most proved costly. Middlesbrough’s playoff hopes faded in the closing weeks of the season, and fan frustration began to mount as the team slipped out of contention.
Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Carrick Also Dismissed
Carrick’s coaching staff, including former Boro player and manager Jonathan Woodgate, and his brother Graeme Carrick, have also left the club as part of the shake-up. Woodgate had previously managed Middlesbrough before returning as an assistant during Carrick’s reign.
Their exits clear the path for a complete reset as the club prepares for another attempt at promotion next season.
Carrick’s Future Remains Uncertain
At 43, he remains one of the youngest managers in English football. His early promise and connection to Manchester United could still open doors for future managerial roles, but back-to-back playoff failures have slightly dented his rising reputation.
For now, the focus at Middlesbrough will turn to finding the right candidate to replace him—a coach who can deliver consistency, maximize the squad’s potential, and finally bring top-flight football back to Teesside.
What Went Wrong for Carrick at Middlesbrough?
Despite a positive relationship with the club and fans, he struggled to turn promise into results when it mattered. Key injuries, lapses in defensive concentration, and a lack of cutting edge in big games often saw Boro drop crucial points.
There were also tactical questions raised during the campaign. While Carrick’s philosophy emphasized ball retention and control, it often lacked the spark needed in the final third, especially against compact defenses.
Supporters were hopeful that his United pedigree would lead to success, but in the end, it wasn’t enough to deliver promotion or sustain playoff finishes.
Middlesbrough Face Crucial Summer Rebuild
The Championship remains one of the toughest and most unpredictable leagues in Europe. With Carrick gone, Middlesbrough now face a pivotal summer of decisions. The club must appoint a new manager capable of not only steadying the ship but also reigniting a serious promotion push.
As the dust settles, Boro fans will reflect on a managerial era that promised much but ultimately came up short. And for Michael Carrick, the search for his next chapter in management begins.
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