They then missed out on the top six last term by four points, although Carrick led Boro to the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
MIDDLESBROUGH have BACKED rather than sack Michael Carrick despite a run of six defeats in seven matches.
Boro had hopes of automatic promotion this term, but they are 25 points adrift of the top two, and the top six was the minimum expectation.
Carrick took over Boro in October 2022 with the club sitting 21st and looking set for a relegation fight.
Carrick, 43, is the Championship’s longest-serving manager, but his two-year and four-month reign was thought to be over after Boro slipped to 11th.
