Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick says he is pleased with the team’s use of possession and the number of goals that have been scored since he took charge at the Riverside Stadium.

Carrick’s team scored another four in their win over Wigan Athletic on Boxing Day, adding to the 13 that have been racked up in his first seven matches in charge, and the Boro boss is happy with the progress that has been made:

“In terms of the performances, definitely in possession and with some of the football we’re playing, then I’m delighted with how that is going, We’re scoring goals and looking dangerous. We’re never satisfied, and I always want a little more, but I suppose on the face of it, with the games we’ve won, we can be pretty pleased as a group.”

“It’s still so early though, early days and still so much work to do over the course of the season. So, we’re not getting carried away. But I am pleased with the response after we got beat last week (at Burnley). The boys played with a real confidence and enthusiasm, which I was really delighted with.”

As Carrick says himself, there is still a lot of work to be done. The Teessiders have only kept one clean sheet since the Manchester United legend’s arrival at the club, and they are conceding (on average) more than a goal a game.

It won’t be much of an issue, though, if the goals don’t dry up. Five wins, one draw and two defeats is a great start to Carrick’s tenure, with Boro now just two points off the playoffs.