Manchester United assistant coach Steve McClaren has given his verdict on the future of Michael Carrick as poor results put the Middlesbrough manager under pressure.
McClaren, who famously won the League Cup with Middlesbrough 20-years ago, has done an interview with The Red Radio to remanence the fantastic achievement.
For those who didn't tune into The Red Radio tonight for @andycampbell32's chat with STEVE McCLAREN, the man that led Boro to its big Carling Cup Final win 20yrs ago to the day. Here's the pod version: https://t.co/72NkPjugUY
— THE RED (@TheRedUK) February 29, 2024
During the interview, Claren was asked about his own time managing Boro in relation to the situation Carrick now finds himself in amid uncertainty over his position.
McClaren also spoke about how highly people think of the former Manchester United midfielder and coach at Old Trafford.
“A big factor in me joining Middlesbrough was after talking to Steve [Gibson] and him laying out the vision and I bought into that straight away.
“It’s important to get that message out there and we tried to spread that around the community so that everybody knew what was expected. Yes, there was added pressure, especially when results didn’t go as well. We did have good days but we had some really bad days as well.
“But when you have that clear vision, it’s something you can cling to and hang on to. I’m positive because Steve has stayed with the club and continues to invest in the club. Michael Carrick was a fantastic player and is a fantastic character and a fantastic coach. Everybody here at Manchester United talks so highly of him.”
Everything was going to plan for Carrick at Boro last season, but they have not enjoyed the same success in his second campaign as manager.
Middlesbrough are currently 14th in the Championship table.
McClaren, who is now working part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff, added: “You can see that in the way the team played when he first came in and in certain spells this season. You’ve got the right man, the right owner, but you have to make sure that everybody knows the vision. The town, the community, everybody should understand it so that everybody can then buy into it. Whatever that vision is.
“I’m positive for Steve, and knowing the Championship, that the vision will be getting back to the Premier League. Middlesbrough were so close last season to doing that and they can do it again. I’m positive that’s what Steve wants – he wants to see Middlesbrough back in the Premier League again.”
Carrick’s Boro side have been misfortunate with injuries this season, but he will be hoping to have some key players back in the coming weeks as they aim to climb back up the league table.
I hope Boro give Carrick time to turn things around.
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