Rob Edwards’ scathing review of Middlesbrough fans after Morgan Whittaker criticism

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Middlesbrough dropped points for the first time this season on Saturday away to Preston North End, requiring a late goal to ensure a draw at Deepdale in the lunchtime kick-off.

The Lilywhites took the lead twice in the game, with Lewis Dobbin finding the back of the net for the first time for the club since joining on loan from Aston Villa, while Jordan Storey thought he had won the match in the 88th minute following Matt Targett’s equaliser.

Boro had won all four of their opening games of the campaign, and they had the chance to become just the second side in Championship history to win five from five to start the season. However, they were denied by Preston.

Rob Edwards was extremely pleased with Sverre Nypan’s impact, but supporters were less impressed with Morgan Whittaker’s performance, leading the Middlesbrough boss to fire some strong words at the fanbase.

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Rob Edwards fires angry response to Middlesbrough fans after Morgan Whittaker comments

Whittaker will be the first to admit that his time at the Riverside Stadium has not quite gone to plan yet, and he needs the backing of his manager and supporters as he tries to get himself on the right track on Teesside.

However, Edwards has quickly come to the defence of the attacking player following the criticism from fans. He said (via: mfc.co.uk): “Thanks so much for your incredible support. I do have to say one thing though, I don’t want to see that response when I make a substitution.

“We’re a family and if we want to achieve something and we’re going to progress and move forward, us, the fans, players and staff have to be together. Morgan, from day one of us coming in has been brilliant. He has been so committed. He’s worked so, so hard.

“We have to protect him and love him. I don’t want to see that because I don’t think it helps us. I appreciate the support and absolutely love the fans. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but while we’re in this moment and winning games and everything feels good, we’ll look after our own.

“He loves playing for this football club and is giving everything. I have to stress that, we protect our own and look after our own.”

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Morgan Whittaker’s 2025/26 Championship stats

Five games into the campaign, it’s been an excellent start for Middlesbrough and Edwards remains keen on keeping the team in this good place ahead of their clash with West Brom on Friday evening.

Whittaker has struggled in front of goal during his time at the Riverside, and in 22 games for Boro, the former Derby County man is yet to find the back of the net. However, he has registered three assists, with two of those coming in the Championship already this season.

The 24-year-old has proven himself in the final third on a number of occasions in the past, but he is yet to find this sort of form for Middlesbrough.

Nevertheless, with Edwards’ backing, Whittaker has more than enough time to turn his goalscoring form around and prove himself to supporters.