Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough Tenure: A Retrospective
MIDDLESBROUGH, 17 January 2026 – The managerial chapter of Michael Carrick’s career at Middlesbrough came to a close last summer. The former England midfielder, who took his first permanent managerial role at the Riverside Stadium in October 2022, was relieved of his duties by the Championship club on 4 June 2025 following a tenth-placed finish.
The End of an Era on Teesside
Middlesbrough confirmed the departure of head coach Michael Carrick, along with his assistants Jonathan Woodgate and his brother Graeme Carrick, in a club statement last June. The decision concluded a spell of just under three years for the 43-year-old, who was the longest-serving manager in the Championship at the time of his exit.
Carrick’s final match in charge was a 2-0 defeat to Coventry City on the last day of the 2024-25 season. A run of just one win in the final six games ultimately ended the club’s hopes of a top-six finish and a return to the Premier League.
Carrick’s Boro Journey: Highs and Lows
Carrick’s appointment in October 2022 came with the club in a precarious position, sitting 21st in the table and just one point above the relegation zone. His impact, however, was immediate and profound. Implementing an attractive, possession-based style, he guided Boro to an impressive fourth-place finish in his first season, winning 16 of his first 23 league games. Despite the remarkable turnaround, promotion hopes were dashed in the play-off semi-finals by Coventry City.
The 2023-24 campaign saw Middlesbrough reach the semi-finals of the EFL Cup for the first time since 2004, famously beating Chelsea 1-0 at home in the first leg before a heavy defeat in the return fixture. The league season, however, yielded an eighth-place finish, just outside the play-off places.
The 2024-25 season proved to be the last, with a tenth-place finish and a lack of consistency cited as key reasons for the club’s decision to part ways with Carrick, despite him having two years remaining on a contract signed in June 2024.
Key Facts & Managerial Record
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Tenure | 24 October 2022 – 4 June 2025 |
| Matches in Charge | 136 |
| Record (W-D-L) | 63 Wins, 24 Draws, 49 Losses |
| Final League Position | 10th (Championship, 2024-25) |
| Best Achievement | 4th place & Play-offs (2022-23), EFL Cup Semi-final (2023-24) |
| Honours at Boro | EFL Championship Manager of the Month (March 2023) |
From the Dugout to the Future
Prior to his stint at Middlesbrough, Carrick was a revered figure at Manchester United, making 464 appearances as a player and winning five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. He moved into coaching at Old Trafford and served as caretaker manager for three games in 2021 following Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s departure, remaining unbeaten.
His time at Middlesbrough was characterised by a commitment to progressive football and the development of young players, earning him praise as one of England’s most promising young managers. The search for his permanent successor at the Riverside Stadium began immediately after his departure was confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Michael Carrick sacked by Middlesbrough?
Michael Carrick was sacked by Middlesbrough on 4 June 2025, following the conclusion of the 2024-25 Championship season.
What was Michael Carrick’s record as Middlesbrough manager?
Across all competitions, Carrick oversaw 136 matches, recording 63 wins, 24 draws, and 49 losses.
Did Michael Carrick get Middlesbrough promoted?
No. Carrick’s best finish was 4th in the 2022-23 season, which led to the play-offs, but the team lost in the semi-finals to Coventry City. The club finished 8th and 10th in the following two seasons.
What is Michael Carrick doing now?
As of January 2026, Michael Carrick’s next role in football has not been officially announced following his departure from Middlesbrough.