Pressure is part of the job as a football manager and Michael Carrick knows all about it right now.
From his days as a key component in Sir Alex Ferguson’s midfield at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick is still adored by Manchester United fans today.
Carrick became one of several players to have turned to management after playing under Ferguson. That included a brief spell as United’s caretaker manager in 2021, but he eventually landed a permanent job at Middlesbrough midway through the 2022/23 campaign.
It started brightly for Carrick as Boro as he took them from 21st to fourth in the table. They narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season, but there was belief that foundations were being laid for future promotion bids.
However, things haven’t gone exactly to plan this season, and Carrick has been feeling the pressure. It will take an uphill climb for Boro to secure promotion to the Premier League at this rate.
Michael Carrick hits back at sack rumours
Questions are bound to be asked in football when you lose four matches in a row.
United fans know that because Ruben Amorim hasn’t been able to win as many matches as he would’ve wanted after landing the biggest job in football back in November.
That is the situation Middlesborough find themselves in, although Carrick is not one asking for sympathy.
He has, however, hit out at the recent sack rumours by stressing that he is ready to get on with the job.
“It doesn’t change what I do,” Carrick said, via Sky Sports. “I look for myself to get on with it.
“I feel the support, I’m not downplaying the support, but it doesn’t change for me this week like all of a sudden it flips. I’ve felt that all the time but I understand the situation.
“It doesn’t change my mood or how I go about my work, needing reassurances off anybody. That’s honestly for me pretty pathetic.
“I’m a head coach of a fantastic football club, I don’t need somebody else to tell me you’ll be alright. I’m here where I am for a reason and I fully believe in what we’re doing. I fully believe in the group.
“I’m still really excited about what’s possible this season and I understand the disappointment, being a bit down beat, I get it. I understand the situation but 14 games to go and a lot to play for – that’s where I’m focusing on, hundred percent.”
Carrick receives vote of confidence
Carrick is the longest-serving manager in the Championship and that looks to remains the case for the foreseeable future.
According to The Sun, Middlesborough have chosen to back Carrick despite a run of four losses in a row.
It is understood that Boro chairman Steve Gibson has decided to stick with the United legend in a ‘huge vote of confidence’.
Carrick appears to have confidence in his ability as a manager to turn things around at the Riverside Stadium.
Middlesborough are currently four points adrift of the play-off spots as they sit 11th in the table.
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