Under relatively new boss Michael Carrick, Middlesbrough have been nothing short of sensational. With his guidance, Boro have won 12 of their last 18 games, losing just four of them.

This is in stark contrast to how the team was performing under Chris Wilder – who is himself regarded as one of the strongest head coaches in England. Boro lost five of their 12 games with the former Sheffield United boss in charge and looked very flat by comparison.

It is a testament to Carrick’s quality that he has been able to take on such a difficult task and outperform a top-class manager like Wilder.

He has also demonstrated a very wide knowledge of tactics – in a previous article, we touched upon the former Manchester United man’s plan to push left-back Ryan Giles up the pitch, while right-back Tommy Smith tucks inside to form a solid back three.

However – there are several extremely talented managers in the Championship, not just Carrick. For example, Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany is doing a marvellous job at Burnley – the Clarets are top of the table, with a 13-point gap separating them and the team in second.

Additionally, Paul Heckingbottom has done a great job at Sheffield United, despite many audiences expecting him to fail. The Blades are second in the league table – despite being recently defeated by Boro.

On top of this, Mark Robins also deserves credit for the job he is doing at cash-strapped Coventry – despite all the odds being against them, the former Leicester City striker has guided them to 8th in the league table.

As such, it may be too early to give Carrick the title of ‘best manager in the Championship’. Despite this, he is learning every game – it would not be surprising to see Carrick managing in the Premier League very soon.