News

“He is the manager of my dreams”- Akpom reveals how Manchester United legend has helped him

Akpom has been magical this season, and he owes it to his gaffer

Nigerian striker Chuba Akpom has praised Manchester United legend Michael Carrick for helping him improve his game since he became Middlesbrough coach Soccernet.ng reports.

Coming into the season, Akpom was just another unfulfilled striker who very little was expected of because of his poor antecedents.

The 27-year-old striker had never scored more than 12 goals in a season in his entire career, and he was just bidding his time before leaving Middlesbrough.

Akpom could have left the club last summer, but he just barely scraped through because Boro could not get a good offer.

However, with how the season has eventually turned out, the club would be happy that they did not let the in-form Nigerian leave.

Akpom has been the best striker in the Championship this season, scoring 28 goals in 36 appearances for Middlesbrough. Unfortunately, it is very unlikely that they will finish in the automatic Premier League promotion spots, they are set to play in the Playoffs.

The Nigerian striker is pleased with how he has performed this season, and he has stated that Carrick has been crucial to his remarkable form.

 

“Carrick has helped me massively,” Akpom told Metro Sport.

“I think he’s the manager I’ve been dreaming of my whole career.

“Honestly, he’s a pleasure to work with, I go out there and give 110 percent and I want to fight for the manager because he’s shown so much trust and confidence in me, and I really appreciate it.

“Immediately when he came in, he put me in the No.10 role and he just gave me the license to just roam around, you see on the pitch I’m just roaming right to left.

“He’s given me the freedom to just go out there and express myself, I appreciate that so much,” Akpom added.

 

The Nigerian striker would look to help Middlesbrough gain promotion to the Premier League. But if they do not succeed, it would be a tough task to keep hold of the former Arsenal man as the top-flight teams would be looking to swoop in.

This post was last modified on April 21, 2023 6:25 pm

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

Victor Osimhen’s goal rescues draw for Galatasaray at Hatayspor

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored Galatasaray's solitary goal in their hard-fought 1-1 draw against… Read More

12 hours ago

“Under-appreciated” – Alex Iwobi joins Manchester United’s Amad Diallo in Troy Deeney’s BBC Team of the Week

Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder, Alex Chuka Iwobi, was included in Troy Deeney’s BBC Matchday… Read More

14 hours ago

Premier League clubs eyeing Lazio and Nigeria midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has reportedly caught the attention of English Premier League clubs… Read More

14 hours ago

“No country can stand against us” – Omeruo praises Eguavoen for Super Eagles’ growth, backs Chelle for success

Super Eagles and Kasımpaşa defender, Kenneth Josiah Omeruo, has backed Nigeria's new coach, Eric Chelle,… Read More

16 hours ago

Maduka Okoye in hot soup: Super Eagles star under investigation over alleged betting scandal

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye could be in trouble in Italy as he is currently… Read More

17 hours ago