1 week Ago By Anthony Nlebem
Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has downplayed his decision to drop Kelechi Iheanacho from the starting lineup in their 2-1 defeat at Millwall, despite growing criticism of the Nigerian striker’s recent performances. Iheanacho, on loan from Sevilla, has struggled to find consistent form since arriving at Boro in January, registering just one goal and two assists in 11 Championship appearances. The former Manchester City forward had a lacklustre outing against Leeds United, with several Boro fans booing him as he was substituted.
Carrick, who had earlier defended Iheanacho following the backlash, insisted that his decision to omit the Super Eagles forward from the Millwall clash had nothing to do with external noise. “I don’t make my decisions based on the talk around the players,” Carrick said. “It’s just one decision.
Players come in and out of the team all the time. It doesn’t mean I’m not supporting them.” “It is what it is.
It happens every week. All the players are important to us. I and my coaching staff consider many factors when picking the team.
” Carrick opted for a like-for-like replacement, handing Morgan Whittaker a start in Iheanacho’s No. 10 role behind the striker. The decision meant Delano Burgzorg stayed on the right flank, while Finn Azaz kept his position on the left, avoiding a major tactical shake-up.
“The boys have been playing well, so we just stuck with those decisions,” Carrick added..
