“They will be really good" - Wes Brown makes exciting Middlesbrough prediction | OneFootball

Wes Brown has backed Middlesbrough to continue to improve under Michael Carrick, as he tipped them to be ‘really good’ next season.

Middlesbrough’s progress under Michael Carrick

Boro appointed the former Manchester United favourite in October 2022, and it has turned out to be an inspired decision.

Carrick led the Teesside outfit to a top six finish last season, with the team playing some outstanding football along the way, as several individuals seemed to benefit from his coaching.

This campaign has been tougher, with Boro sitting 10th in the table, but they will still feel they have an outside chance of reaching the play-offs, as they trail Norwich City by seven points as it stands.

Wes Brown makes Middlesbrough prediction

Nevertheless, it seems clear the club are on the right track with Carrick, and they will hope he is the man to take them back to the Premier League at some point.

And, speaking to FLW, Carrick’s former Man United teammate Brown revealed he had spoken to the Boro chief, who felt there was a lack of experience in the group at times. However, he backed this team to improve the longer they play together, as he tipped them to be a force next season.

“I remember having a chat with Carra’s at the beginning of the season, and they’ve got a very young squad, that’s a fact," Brown told Football League World - via InstantCasinos.

"He said they’re good but they need experience, and I think they’ve gotten better and better as the season has gone on.

“I think if he was to stay there and keep the same sort of players and get a couple of additions, I think they will be really good next season.

“He’s done a good job. He always knew it was going to be tough with the experience of the squad. But, he loves it, he’s doing his best, and that Championship is a tough league.”

Middlesbrough set for pivotal summer window

Of course, Carrick and the current team won’t be giving up on reaching the play-offs this season, but the reality is that it’s going to be very difficult to make up such a gap with eight games to go.

So, attention could quickly turn to next season, and many will share the view of Brown that it could be a great season for Boro, as they do have a lot of talent in the squad.

However, as he points out, it’s clear they need some proven, experienced quality in key positions, and that’s something the recruitment team must address in the summer if the team are to kick-on.

Steve Gibson has shown consistently over the years that he will back managers at the Riverside Stadium, and he will know that a good window could transform Boro into real contenders next season, when some will argue the division is unlikely to be as strong as it is now.

Boro are back in action on Good Friday when they make the long trip to Southampton as they look to keep their faint play-off hopes alive.