'No big deal' - Middlesbrough boss defends decision to omit Iheanacho from starting lineup v Millwall

Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick has clarified his decision to leave Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho out of the starting lineup in Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Millwall, amid mounting criticism from sections of the club’s supporters.

Iheanacho, who joined Boro on loan from Sevilla during the winter transfer window, has endured a mixed spell in the Championship.

After struggling to find form early on—failing to register a goal or assist before the international break—the Super Eagles forward bounced back by scoring his first goal against Oxford United and contributing two assists in a win over Blackburn.

However, his momentum was halted following a poor performance in the loss to Leeds United, which drew boos from fans and further diminished Middlesbrough’s hopes of securing a playoff spot.

The backlash prompted Carrick to publicly defend the Nigerian international, urging fans to show support.

Despite backing his player, Carrick opted to start Morgan Whittaker ahead of Iheanacho in the clash against Millwall.

When asked if the decision was influenced by fan reaction, the former Manchester United midfielder dismissed the notion, insisting it was purely a technical choice.

"I don’t make my decisions on talk around the players. It’s just one decision,” Carrick was quoted as saying by  TeessideLive. 

"Players have come in and out of the team all sorts of times during the season. I have to make a decision, it doesn’t mean I’m not behind all the players, supporting them.

"It is what it is. It’s just one of those things. It happens every week and it’s no big deal. All the players are important for us. Me and my coaching staff consider many factors in terms of what team I pick."

Iheanacho’s recent dip in form has also impacted his international prospects.

Despite making the provisional list, he was left out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Nonetheless, the Nigerian forward will be aiming to rediscover consistency in the coming weeks, with hopes of earning a recall for the Super Eagles ahead of the Unity Cup tournament in London.

Adeyemi Adewale

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