Boro must back Carrick - McAnuff

Michael Carrick was appointed Boro boss in October 2022

Middlesbrough should stick with Michael Carrick and back their head coach to get them into the Championship play-off places this season, according to former Reading, Watford and Crystal Palace winger Jobi McAnuff.

Boro have lost five of their past six games and are in 11th place, four points outside the top six - albeit with a game in hand on all of the clubs above them.

But chairman Steve Gibson is reportedly keen to see Carrick stay despite their miserable run.

"I don't think there will be any value in getting rid of Michael Carrick," McAnuff told BBC's Football Daily 72+: The EFL Podcast.

"They have had a couple of tough games of late, against Sheffield United and Sunderland. In the Sunderland game they were fantastic for 30 minutes and should have put the game to bed.

"But under Michael Carrick there has always been an inconsistency - not just from game to game - but actually in the 90 minutes itself.

"And it's been a really poor run, losing to Preston and Portsmouth and Watford away.

"If you want to get in the play-offs these are games you have to win. There's no two ways about that so I understand the pressure and the speculation but you have to give him time."

Middlesbrough were fifth following their win over Hull City on New Year's Day and Carrick has been surprised by their slip down the table.

"I thought they would have a real good season this time out," McAnuff added. "They had a positive end to last season after a difficult start.

"I think if they don't finish in the play offs it will be a really disappointing season, but he has to be given the opportunity to get them in the play-offs - and potentially get them promoted that way."

You can listen to the full Football Daily 72+: The EFL Podcast on BBC Sounds.