An EFL pundit has been speaking about Middlesbrough and Michael Carrick ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season.
Middlesbrough have not played Premier League football since 2017 when they were relegated after just one season in the top flight.
Owner Steve Gibson has continued to back the club in the transfer market in the years following their relegation and employed various managers in a bid to return to the Premier League.
The likes of Neil Warnock, Tony Pulis, and Chris Wilder all failed to deliver at the Riverside Stadium.
However, Boro look to have turned a corner under current manager, Michael Carrick.
Carrick was appointed in October 2022 and has so far guided the Teessiders to fourth and eighth-place finishes in the Championship.
EFL Pundit makes Middlesbrough and Michael Carrick predictions
2023/24 did not go as well as Middlesbrough may have hoped, finishing four points outside the top six.
There were a couple of reasons for Boro’s drop down the table, including injury issues and a forced rebuild in the summer of 2023 after the exits of several big names.
So far this summer, though, the Reds have kept hold of all of their top stars, with Middlesbrough’s stance on selling key players made clear after recent Carrick comments.
Now, speaking on the Second Tier podcast, EFL Pundit Ryan Dilks has shared his ‘exciting’ Middlesbrough and Carrick predictions.
He said: “[Carrick] plays some of the best football in the league, his teams play some of the best football in the league, it’s great to watch.
“And it seems like last season was a building block towards this season being the one. So that’s why it’s an exciting season ahead for Middlesbrough, particularly with Michael Carrick, as we all know a big name in the footballing world because of what he did in his playing career.
“But he looks like he’s got the pedigree to still be a top, top manager.”
Can Michael Carrick win Middlesbrough promotion
Middlesbrough should be in the promotion mix come the end of the 2024/25 Championship season.
The North East outfit ended the previous campaign with a run of just one loss in 12.
Given Boro have kept hold of the majority of their first-team squad from 2023/24 and added a couple of new additions, similar form is expected next term.
Middlesbrough’s promotion chances should also be boosted by the fact the teams that came down from the Premier League in 2023/24 are weaker than the sides who were relegated the previous year.