Michael Carrick Speaks About Dropping Iheanacho
Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has explained why he left Kelechi Iheanacho out of the starting line-up in their 1-0 defeat to Millwall on Saturday, following criticism from fans.
The Nigerian forward, who joined Boro on loan from Sevilla in January, has had an up-and-down run in the Championship.
Iheanacho struggled to make an early impact, going several games without a goal or assist before the international break. He later picked up form, scoring against Oxford United and assisting twice in a win over Blackburn Rovers.
However, his poor showing against Leeds United led to boos from fans and further pressure on the club’s slim play-off hopes.
Despite previously defending the Super Eagles striker and calling for support from the fans, Carrick decided to start Morgan Whittaker ahead of Iheanacho against Millwall.
Speaking after the match, Carrick made it clear that the decision had nothing to do with fan reaction.
“I don’t make my decisions based on what people say about the players,” Carrick told TeessideLive.
“It was just one decision. Players have come in and out of the team all season.”
He continued:
“It doesn’t mean I don’t support all the players. These things happen every week. All the players are important to us, and me and my staff look at many things when choosing the team.”
Iheanacho’s dip in club form has also affected his place in the national team. Although he was named on Nigeria’s provisional list, he was left out of the final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Now, the 27-year-old will be hoping to get back to his best in the coming weeks, as he looks to earn a return to the Super Eagles for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament in London.
