Aidan Morris made Middlesbrough history during his debut versus Swansea City.
Boro kicked off their 2024/25 Championship season on Saturday afternoon against Luke Williams’ Swansea City.
Michael Carrick has so far signed four new first-team players during the 2024 summer transfer window.
Micah Hamilton joined Middlesbrough from Manchester City on Friday but was left on the bench against the Swans.
Delano Burgzorg came off the bench for his first competitive Boro appearance but had little time to impact the game.
However, with Jonny Howson injured at the end of pre-season, Aidan Morris was thrown straight into the eleven on Saturday.
Isaiah Jones was the standout Middlesbrough star against Swansea, earning high praise from Asmir Begovic.
But Morris also had a solid first showing in what was his first appearance in the Championship.
Aidan Morris gives Middlesbrough debut verdict
The 22-year-old partnered Hayden Hackney in the center of midfield against Williams’ men at the Riverside.
Morris took some time to get up to speed in the game and nearly handed Swansea a goal with a sloppy pass late in the first half.
However, the USA international grew into the fixture and impressed in the second 45.
After starting versus the Welsh outfit, Morris became the 1000th player to make a competitive appearance for Middlesbrough.
The midfielder spoke to BBC Tees Sport after the match to share his thoughts on his ‘amazing’ debut for the club.
He said: “It was amazing this is everything I dreamed of as a kid. I’m sure many people as well that play over in England [it’s] the best level of football.
“This is such a special day for me and my family was here. I’ll try to give my everything for this club from this point on.”
Morris also spoke about setting the record to become the 1000th player to feature in a competitive match for the Teessiders.
He said: “My hostess told me about that last night and it was pretty cool. This is such a special club as you can see today with the atmosphere and everything and how much the football means here, which is new to me.
“So to be able to be that number it’s something unique and cool and I’m grateful for that.”
Aidan Morris needs more time to settle at Middlesbrough
While Morris performed fairly well against Swansea, it is clear he will need more time to adjust to Championship football.
Boro faced a lot of pressure late in the game as the away side pushed for an equaliser.
Carrick’s men just about held on to secure their first win on the opening day for 10 years but may have been punished by a better team.
Howson was on the bench on Saturday despite his knock and he is expected to return to the eleven in the coming games ahead of Morris.
The American has already showcased what he can bring to Middlesbrough, but Carrick must manage his minutes carefully.