• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Fascinating analysis of what Michael Carrick has done at Middlesbrough, in his first managerial job, is going viral

Home> Football

Updated 15:22 29 Dec 2022 GMTPublished 15:21 29 Dec 2022 GMT

Fascinating analysis of what Michael Carrick has done at Middlesbrough, in his first managerial job, is going viral

Carrick took over the Championship outfit in October.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

A detailed video of what Michael Carrick has achieved with Championship side Middlesbrough since taking over has gone viral.

Carrick was part of Manchester United's coaching setup until stepping down from his role following a spell as caretaker manager last December.

The former midfielder showed potential as a coach during his three games in the Old Trafford dugout, managing to steady the ship and go unbeaten.

Advert

How he'd fare in his first permanent job was of interest to many supporters. Carrick received his opportunity with Middlesbrough, who sacked Chris Wilder with the club 22nd in the table.

After a defeat to Preston North End in his first game, Carrick guided Middlesbrough to a five-game unbeaten run. They'd lose to Championship leaders Burnley to end that run but bounced back with a 4-1 win over Wigan Athletic on Boxing Day.

Middlesbrough now sit 11th in the Championship, two points off the playoffs. Based on form since Carrick's arrival, the Boro would be fourth in the table.

Advert

How has Carrick managed such a dramatic turnaround in two months, with a World Cup break lodged in the middle?

TikTok user @hto_mufc broke down Carrick's tactics and management style in an excellent video, which you can view below.

Under Wilder, Middlesbrough played the overlapping centre-back system the manager used to get Sheffield United promoted against all odds in 2019.

Advert

That had started to go stale, however. Failure to qualify for the playoffs in 21/22 took a lot out of the players, who only won two of their opening 11 games. Carrick decided to tweak this system.

Middlesbrough's defence becomes a back three when building out as Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Ryan Giles bombs out the left-hand side. Tommy Smith on the right tucks in next to Dael Fry and Darragh Lenihan to keep that structure.

Middlesbrough's system against Blackpool. They managed to overwhelm the Tangerines with a spare man and score from this move. (Image
Middlesbrough/YouTube)

Giles' role in the team is vital, as shifting the opposition team's block over gives him acres of space to exploit.

Advert

It creates an attacking five, similar to Premier League leaders Arsenal when Kieran Tierney or Oleksandr Zinchenko get forward.

A frequent combo is Giles assisting Chuba Akpom, who has eight goals under Carrick. Akpom plays just off Marcus Forss, creating a 3-2-5 formation in attack.

Duncan Watmore operates in half spaces, while Isaiah Jones and Giles offer that threat from the flanks. Akpom just off Forss completes the forward line.

Could Carrick guide Middlesbrough to the Premier League playing this brand of football? Only time will tell.

Advert

Middlesbrough will get a taste of top-flight opposition when they face Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup on January 7.

Featured Image Credit: hto_mufc/TikTok & Alamy

Topics: Michael Carrick

Daniel Marland
Daniel Marland

Daniel is a social editor for SPORTbible after moving from the writing team. Nearly scored past Stormzy at Old Trafford once.

X

@DanMarland_

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
2 hours ago
3 hours ago
  • an hour ago

    Xabi Alonso has found the new Luka Modric for Real Madrid and it could be the signing of the summer

    The Real Madrid boss could be set to replace the veteran midfielder, who will leave the club later this summer.

    Football
  • 2 hours ago

    Odds slashed on Lionel Messi's next club as clear favourite emerges after huge news drops on Inter Miami star's future

    Lionel Messi has been linked with a move away from Inter Miami.

    Football
  • 3 hours ago

    Xabi Alonso's new formation for Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment could end one Real Madrid career

    The former Bayer Leverkusen boss is implementing some major changes at Real Madrid.

    Football
  • 3 hours ago

    Ollie Watkins has made his feelings clear on Man Utd as Aston Villa star targeted for stunning transfer

    The Aston Villa forward has been linked with a shock move to Man United this summer.

    Football
  • F1 icon Michael Schumacher faced world rally champion in one-off racing event and the result was fascinating
  • Gareth Southgate has applied for surprise managerial job with two conditions set for ex-England boss to take role
  • Pep Guardiola breaks his own strict managerial rule for first time ever after admitting he was unhappy
  • Michael Schumacher's former team-mate offered to 'wake him up' following accident but his wife declined