Middlesbrough chiefs have discussed a ‘new name’ in manager search, they think he could be a ‘good fit’

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Middlesbrough are currently managerless after the Boro hierarchy sacked Michael Carrick.

Michael Carrick was sacked by Middlesbrough after their 2024/25 Championship concluded with Boro finishing in 10th place.

Under Carrick’s stewardship, he led Boro to their worst finish in three seasons, culminating in their final day defeat to Coventry City that saw them finish four places away from the play-offs.

The Manchester United legend was appointed by Boro in October 2022, and led the Teessiders to a play-off place in his debut campaign, before finishing eighth in the 2023/24 campaign.

Now, EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal the “new name” in the frame to become Carrick’s successor at the Riverside.

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Marti Cifuentes is being considered by Middlesbrough as Michael Carrick’s successor

QPR boss Marti Cifuentes was placed on gardening leave towards the end of last season after news emerged following rumours he was set for the West Brom job.

However, reports confirmed that Cifuentes wasn’t on West Brom’s shortlist, and now the Spaniard could be the manager to replace Carrick at Boro.

Via information from Chief Football correspondent Graeme Bailey, EFL Analysis can reveal that the Queens Park Rangers man is a “new name” being considered by managerless Middlesbrough.

The highly-rated Spaniard has now been discussed by the Boro hierarchy, and it is said he is “someone they like and who could very well be a good fit for them.”

As we revealed, former Luton Town boss Rob Edwards has emerged as the leading candidate after it became clear that early favourite Steve Cooper was unlikely to agree a deal to join the club.

• READ MORE: Championship clubs must rescue ‘brilliant’ ace from League One, he’d be perfect fit for Middlesbrough

Marti Cifuentes and Michael Carrick’s Championship records compared

Cifuentes arrived at Loftus Road in October 2023, and in his time as QPR boss, oversaw 29 wins, 23 draws and 31 losses from 83 matches in charge.

Within his R’s tenure, Cifuentes enjoyed a points-per-game record of 1.33.

Carrick, however, held the Boro role for considerably longer than the Spaniard has been at QPR. He oversaw 63 wins, 24 draws, and 49 defeats during his 136-game Riverside tenure.

Out of his 136 games in charge, Carrick managed a points-per-game record of 1.57.