Aston Villa & Steve Gibson will share same Michael Carrick feeling after Middlesbrough FC axe | OneFootball

Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough tenure didn't go as well as hoped but the club still have a lot to be thankful for

Michael Carrick’s time at Middlesbrough didn’t quite work out but Aston Villa and Steve Gibson will still both be thankful for the work he achieved in his time at the club.

The Teesside outfit confirmed the departure of the 43-year-old earlier this week following the team’s disappointing 10th place finish in the Championship table.

Boro had come fourth in his first campaign in charge at the Riverside, but gradually declined year-on-year, going from the play-offs to eighth to 10th.

While a lot of supporters felt the time was right to change, there is no denying that the former England international had his bright spells during his time at the club.

Players like Morgan Rogers, Emmanuel Latte Lath and Chuba Akpom all excelled under his management before going on to earn big transfer fees.

Michael Carrick’s role in improving Middlesbrough

Rogers signed for Boro in the summer of 2023, and his performances earned him a big move to the Premier League only six months later.

While his start to life at the Riverside wasn’t an immediate hit, he was really hitting his stride by December and January of that campaign, leading to a move to Aston Villa.

It was reported by the Guardian that the deal was worth up to £15 million, which was great business for the Championship side.

Rogers went on to help Unai Emery’s side earn Champions League qualification, with the team reaching the quarter final stages, while the forward featured regularly in the side.

Carrick was key to helping the 22-year-old develop, with both Middlesbrough and Villa benefitting.

Akpom was the top scorer in the Championship during his time in the team under the former midfielder, scoring 29 times as the team reached the play-off semi-finals, leading to a move to Ajax.

Cameron Archer also enjoyed a strong spell under Carrick, contributing 11 goals and six assists during a six-month loan spell, the best form of his career to date.

Latte Lath was sold for a fee reportedly worth £22.5 million, per the BBC, following his goal scoring form during the 43-year-old’s time as manager.

This pattern of being able to develop players and turn them into valuable assets has been great for Middlesbrough, and there are no guarantees the next coach will be able to do the same.

Steve Gibson will be thankful for Carrick

Carrick wasn’t able to deliver Premier League football to the Riverside Stadium, and potentially a refresh in the dugout is needed after two disappointing campaigns.

However, owner Steve Gibson will still be grateful to the ex-Manchester United coach for the work he achieved during his time at the club.

Middlesbrough have earned these big fees, which have allowed them to remain in a strong financial position relative to their rivals.

He has also helped develop young talent that remains in the current squad, which the next manager will look forward to utilising.

The likes of Rav van den Berg and Hayden Hackney performed extremely well under Carrick, and have been standout talents in the Championship.

If major fees aren’t secured for either player this summer, then they will play key roles in the side next year, whoever is in the dugout.