Middlesbrough are set to take on Sheffield United in a tough Championship clash, but they may have now been handed a huge boost.
Michael Carrick’s side have lost their last two games, with defeats against Watford and Bristol City leaving Boro 11th in the table, and they will now face tough opposition at the Riverside Stadium.
Sheffield United are five points ahead under former Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder, but this gap could be reduced to two with what would be a vital win.
Ahead of the game, Middlesbrough may have now been handed a huge boost with regard to their team selection, as Carrick has hinted that a very popular decision could be made.
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Michael Carrick hints Riley McGree could start for Middlesbrough vs Sheffield United
Winger Riley McGree was on the bench for the last two games, and the 25-year-old was clearly missed from the starting XI. However, speaking via The Northern Echo, Carrick hinted that he could return to the team.
“Riley is important to us, of course he is,” Carrick stated.
“He’s proven that over a long period of time and there is still a lot more to come from him. I’m sure there is still more to come, and that will prove over the next couple of games.”
Middlesbrough’s record with Riley McGree starting
It is clear that Middlesbrough are a much better team with McGree in the starting XI. McGree has started just three of 10 Championship games this season, with Boro winning all three without conceding.
Boro have just one win and one clean sheet in the seven games which McGree has not started.
The Australian struggled with injury at the start of the campaign, before coming off the bench in the last two games as McGree was surprisingly dropped against Watford.
Should he return to the starting XI, he will give Boro a much better chance of returning to winning ways against Sheffield United, and fans will certainly hope that Carrick’s hint over his selection comes true.