Michael Carrick could be replaced by former Wolves boss, he wants to be next Middlesbrough manager

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Middlesbrough endured a frustrating end to the season, putting Michael Carrick’s position in doubt, and EFL Analysis understands one man has already put himself forward to replace him.

There were high expectations placed on Michael Carrick and Middlesbrough at the start of the season, with many tipping the Teessiders to secure promotion to the Premier League.

At times, Boro looked like they could make good on that potential, too, but ended up being far too inconsistent throughout the campaign.

After defeat to Championship play-off rivals Coventry City on the final day of the season, Boro dropped down to tenth in the table, and the future is now unclear regarding Carrick’s role at the club.

Now, in an EFL Analysis exclusive, we can reveal at least one manager who is keen to take over at The Riverside.

• READ MORE: Coventry and Middlesbrough fans agree one player was ‘sensational’ in play-off decider

Gary O’Neil wants the Middlesbrough job

Naturally, Carrick’s future has been called into question after this latest disappointment, and there is a good chance Boro chief Steve Gibson will look to make a change at the top over the summer.

As per our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, we are led to believe that former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has already thrown his hat into the ring and made it clear he would be interested in taking on the Middlesbrough job if it becomes available.

Gibson is due to assess the situation in the coming days and weeks and there is thought to be mounting pressure on Carrick.

Boro reportedly considered changing managers mid-season, but Carrick was given the benefit of the doubt on the basis that he simply had to secure a play-off spot.

At the time, Steve Cooper was thought to be a frontrunner to take over, and he is still believed to be a person of interest for Middlesbrough. Meanwhile, England Under-21 coach, Lee Carsley, is also on Boro’s list.

• READ MORE: Middlesbrough star outperforming every single player in Europe in one key area this season, he could leave soon

How Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough project has fallen apart

Carrick himself has insisted he is carrying on with the job at hand going into the summer, but after falling short of the minimum expectations, there is serious doubt surrounding his position as Middlesbrough manager.

In his first season in charge, Carrick led Boro to a fourth-placed finish, but ultimately fell to defeat against Coventry City in the play-off semi-finals in 2023.

He then could only manage a seventh-placed finish last season, and with the team dropping to tenth this year, Middlesbrough are clearly a club in regression.

With a number of talented players and relatively sufficient backing in the transfer market, much more is expected of Carrick. Whether it’s a case of rivals developing quicker and more effectively, or Boro simply struggling, or both, something has to give.

Only time will tell now whether Carrick will be given one last roll of the dice, or if his time is up.