Michael Carrick explains Middlesbrough plan for Morgan Whittaker
While he believes Middlesbrough purchased Morgan Whittaker in January with the long term in mind, Michael Carrick anticipates the winger to contribute favorably for the rest of the season.
When Whittaker joined Boro in a £5 million transfer from Plymouth Argyle, he had a stellar reputation because he finished the previous season with 19 goals, which tied him for third place in the Championship.
He has, however, been left out of the starting lineup several times and has not scored in his first 12 appearances as a Boro player.
Despite being back in the starting lineup for the weekend, he did not have a significant impact as Boro lost to Millwall in the “number ten” position.
Carrick, meanwhile, is still certain that he will play a significant role in the season’s final four games as his team tries to push back into the play-off contention.
“He’s going to have big moments for us,” said Carrick, ahead of Friday’s home game with Whittaker’s former side, Plymouth. “He’s a fantastic talent. He’s got great natural attributes to the game, which you see in the way he can naturally play different positions.
“He’s going to be so important for us – whether that’s starting games, finishing games, whichever. He’s got a natural gift for having an impact, and I’m sure he’ll continue to do that.
“He’s done it in the last few games in different ways, without scoring but just having a positive impact. That’s the type of player he is.”
After Isaiah Jones permanently moved to Luton Town, Whittaker signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Boro in January. Carrick then moved for the 24-year-old to replace Jones.
Regardless of how the rest of the current season turns out, the forward was always brought in with at least half an eye toward the future. It is hoped that he will have a beneficial impact on the next four games.
“There’s definitely the longer term to think about with Morgan too,” said Carrick. “It’s not always just all about this week and next week.
“We brought him here because we were big fans of what he’s capable of. I’m really enjoying working with him because he’s a fantastic and talented footballer. He’ll have big moments for us, I’m sure.
