When Michael Carrick future will be decided as ex-Premier League boss tops Middlesbrough shortlist

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EFL Analysis has an update on the future of Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough amid growing speculation he could leave.

Michael Carrick led Middlesbrough to their worst finish in three seasons during the 2024/25 campaign.

The ex-Manchester United midfielder secured a play-off place in his debut campaign in the North East before finishing eighth in 2023/24.

2024/25, which ended in defeat to Coventry City, saw Boro forced to settle for 10th spot and Carrick’s future immediately questioned.

We have previously revealed the role the Middlesbrough manager played in the January window and details of the review Steve Gibson and Co. have been conducting. And we now have an update on the situation.

Middlesbrough draw up shortlist with Michael Carrick decision expected soon

There have been rumblings on social media that Boro have already made the decision to part ways with their long-time boss.

But EFL Analysis has learned that the aforementioned review is in its final week, and we can confirm that there is a shortlist in place, should Steve Gibson decide to remove Carrick.

Middlesbrough have already done work on possible replacements – as we have previously shared, Steve Cooper sits top of that list.

As yet, we understand a final decision has not been made, but one is expected by the weekend.

Steve Cooper Championship record

Cooper has been out of work since being sacked by Leicester City in November 2024.

The Englishman has previously enjoyed spells in the second tier of English football with both Nottingham Forest and Swansea City.

He took Forest to the play-off final during the 2021/22 campaign and won promotion to the Premier League.

Cooper did the same with Swansea in the previous campaign, but lost 2-0 to Brentford in the showpiece on that occasion.

In total, he has managed 130 regular Championship fixtures across his career, winning 63, drawing 37, and losing 30.