”We know” – Middlesbrough: Michael Carrick drops honest Leeds United claim ahead of Elland Road trip

Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick admits Leeds United are “a good team with some very good players” as they prepare for a “tough” trip to Elland Road on Tuesday night.

The Teessiders are solidly in the Championship lead, and after a 1-1 draw with Burnley on Friday night, they now turn their focus to Leeds.

Boro’s credentials were put to the test in two consecutive road games against automatic promotion-chasing clubs. Despite not winning, they emerged unhurt at Turf Moor.

Both Dan Barlaser and Delano Burgzorg wasted crucial second-half chances to secure victory at Turf Moor. Carrick understands that his team must capitalize against Leeds, who have a stronger scoring offense than Burnley.

It’s a close decision as to which game will be more difficult, but the Boro manager stressed after Friday night’s draw that both games are difficult in their own right, and he said his team is fully aware of the importance of the challenge ahead on Tuesday.It’s a close call for which game will be tougher but the Boro boss emphasised after Friday night’s draw that both games are tough in their own right, and he claimed his side are fully aware of the enormity of the task that awaits them on Tuesday.

Michael Carrick knows Elland Road is a tough place to go

Carrick acknowledges the challenge ahead of Tuesday’s encounter, which follows away games against Leeds, Burnley, Sunderland, Watford, West Brom, and Norwich.

In an interview with Middlesbrough’s media team, he stated, “It’s a tough place again. We know what Leeds are about, they’re a good team with some very good players.”

“We’ll take some confidence from Friday and the spell that we’re having and keep trying to improve.”

Carrick’s team has the opportunity to compete with the league’s top teams at Elland Road, but caution should be exercised given they have not won a league game there since 2011.

Michael Carrick’s men appear well-placed to make history at Elland Road

That negative historical portent will not concern Carrick too much, as he has been in the game long enough to understand that historical omens do not dictate what happens in 90 minutes, but it will serve as a psychological stumbling block.

Boro have struggled against the league’s top teams, with only a win against West Brom.

However, they are currently in a small purple patch, having won four of their past six Championship games, and will bring plenty of momentum into Tuesday night’s massive battle.

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