Middlesbrough fans told to avoid 'sarcasm from the stands' that fuels 'vicious' Morgan Whittaker cycle | OneFootball

Morgan Whittaker was jeered off the pitch by Middlesbrough supporters against Preston North End

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Morgan Whittaker recently came under fire from Middlesbrough supporters during the club’s 2-2 draw with Preston North End.

Boro have started the 2025/26 campaign in flying form, winning their first four matches consecutively to top the table heading into matchday six.

There were question marks heading into the season over new manager Rob Edwards’ ability to take the Riverside outfit back towards the top of the Championship, after they finished 10th last season and lost key players such as Finn Azaz and Rav van den Berg in the transfer window.

However, Middlesbrough have silenced the doubters with strong, consistent performances, much to the delight of their supporters. That said, there was a moment of frustration that boiled over last time out.

Whittaker signed for Boro in January from Plymouth Argyle for £5 million, having netted 19 league goals the previous campaign whilst at Home Park.

The 24-year-old hasn’t managed to bring that form to the North East and is still yet to score for the club.

After a subpar display against Preston North End, the travelling Middlesbrough fans jeered the forward off the pitch when he was substituted, much to the dismay of Edwards, who condemned the act in his post-match press conference with the club’s media.

Football League World’s Plymouth Argyle fan pundit, Luke Hodge, doesn’t believe that this is the best course of action for Boro supporters to take and that boosting Whittaker’s morale will be the best way to help him start performing.

Middlesbrough fans told to avoid “making things worse” in Morgan Whittaker scenario

“Whittaker's switch from Argyle and Middlesbrough has definitely sparked debate,” stated Luke. “Especially with him still goalless.

“Hindsight's a wonderful thing, but personally I reckon it was still the right call for all parties. Things haven't clicked yet, and it's tough seeing a player of his calibre struggling. Whittaker's stint at Argyle was magical at its peak, but his form dipped significantly when Steven Schumacher departed for Stoke.

“It felt like his chapter at Argyle had naturally run its course, and staying might have led to more frustration and a stalled career. From our perspective, cashing in for £5m was a no-brainer. That's huge money for a club like Argyle, especially for a player who sparkled and faded.

“Those goals and assists at Argyle weren't just a flash in the pan or a lucky streak. The guy's got one of the sweetest left feet in the EFL. Confidence is huge however. He goes from unplayable to insignificant almost overnight. That's exactly what's happening at Boro right now.

The move hasn't gone well so far.

“No goals, the crowd getting on his back. It's only making things worse. It's a vicious cycle.

“He's trying too hard to rediscover his form, which often leads to overthinking and poor decisions. Edwards' defense of him publicly is spot on. Whittaker thrives on positivity and support, not sarcasm from the stands.

“Boro invested in his potential. Whittaker needs a platform to prove himself, although he's finding it increasingly difficult at the moment. Who knows? Perhaps a loan move to Bolton will be the key to rediscovering his form and confidence.”

Middlesbrough supporters should get behind Morgan Whittaker

Boro fans will feel that they deserve to be able to voice their frustration at a player whose wages they help pay, but ultimately, it may have negative consequences for performances on the pitch.

Footballers thrive when confident, but can also appear to be completely ineffective when lacking belief, and that appears to be the case with Whittaker.

Although the Middlesbrough fans are right to be disappointed with the forward’s return thus far, getting on his back won’t help him score goals, which in turn prevents their team from winning games.

Instead, getting behind Whittaker and showing support for him will increase his confidence, which could lead to the 24-year-old returning to the level he showed he could perform at whilst with Plymouth Argyle.