What Middlesbrough fans are saying about Aitor Karanka returning as Michael Carrick replacement

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Middlesbrough sacked Michael Carrick this week and have seen a host of names linked with a return.

Boro have started making transfer plans despite not currently having a manager, but the search for a replacement is well under way.

Steve Cooper is on Middlesbrough’s shortlist after previously helping Nottingham Forest win promotion from the Championship and reaching the play-off final with Swansea City.

Former Luton Town manager Rob Edwards is an option for the Teessiders.

Elsewhere, Middlesbrough would have to pay near £5m for Danny Rohl if they land the Sheffield Wednesday boss.

Meanwhile, it has since emerged this week that former Boro man Aitor Karanka is now eyeing a return to management in England.

Middlesbrough fans split on Aitor Karanka returning to Middlesbrough

Karanka took Middlesbrough to the play-off final in his first full season in charge before securing promotion in 2015/16.

The North East outfit were relegated during their first campaign back in the Premier League, with Karanka sacked in March 2017.

Now, after hearing the Spaniard wants a return to England, Middlesbrough fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts on him replacing Carrick in the dugout at the Riverside Stadium.

One fan wrote: “Leadbitter as his number 2.”

A second Middlesbrough fan questioned: “Silly in saying never return to your ex?”

A third wrote: “Too defensive!! Good but boring! Southgate in a wig.”

“Heard there’s a vacancy going there…” another Boro supporter replied.

A fifth added: “The only success I’ve ever experienced as a Boro fan was thanks to this man. Wouldn’t be against it.”

While a fifth simply tweeted: “Nope,” and another echoed: “No thanks,” followed by a laughing emoji.

What Aitor Karanka previously said on Middlesbrough return

Karanka was linked with a return to the Riverside back in 2019 when Tony Pulis was still in charge, as per Sky Sports.

The ex-Real Madrid coach commented on the speculation at the time.

He said: “Now it is impossible because Tony is in charge.”

“He is a manager I respect a lot because the few times I have been with him he has helped me a lot.

“It’s a shame he couldn’t do it (get Boro promoted) this season but in the future – especially in football – you never know.

“The relationship I have with (Middlesbrough owner) Steve (Gibson) is amazing.”