Ex-Manchester United midfielder backs Iheanacho to have great impact in Middlesbrough

Former Manchester United midfielder, Michael Carrick, has backed Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, for success with Middlesbrough, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old joined the Boro on loan from Sevilla after a poor stint in his first six months in Spain. While he'd had hoped for a fresh start in the EFL Championship, Iheanacho is still without a goal for Middlesbrough.

The former Manchester City forward was omitted from Eric Chelle's 23-man squad for Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Following this, Iheanacho put in some work during the International break as he looks to hit top form, and this pleased Carrick.

Kelechi Iheanacho working hard over the international break. pic.twitter.com/qHS8HPtCt5

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What Carrick said

“That’s what it takes now. Kel’s definitely a big part of the group and important because of his experience and his character.

“The way he trains and goes about his business, he’s a good example to the younger lads. It’s taken him a few games to get up to 100 per cent in terms of sharpness and fitness, but I'm sure he’ll have a big impact for us between now and the end of the season,” the Middlesbrough manager said about the Super Eagles forward, as revealed by the Nothern Echo.

“In terms of the extra training and looking after himself, that shows the attitude and his mentality really. People don’t always see that side, particularly during an international break.

“I guess that’s the advantage of that these days where it gives people that window into seeing things like that you never used to see. It’s a big part of being a good professional, and credit to all the boys who all work so hard,” the ex-Manchester United midfielder concluded.

Middlesbrough are currently 8th on the EFL Championship table, three points off the playoff spots, and Carrick admitted he needs all hands on deck as they look to gain promotion to the English Premier League.

“I think anyone can [still have a big impact this season]. There are eight games to go, and when it gets to this stage, even one moment can be big now.

“Those individual moments at this stage can turn out to be bigger moments. It would be wrong of me to single anyone out. I think anyone can have an impact between now and the end, and hopefully we have a few players who produce in the eight games we’ve got to go.”

With three goals in 18 games across all club competitions this season, Iheanacho is experiencing his second-worst season in his career.