Middlesbrough star Chuba Akpom has hailed former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick after scoring his 29th goal of the season in Wednesday evening's 3-1 win over Hull City at the Riverside.
Middlesbrough, who have been transformed since Carrick took over as head coach back in October, secured their spot in the end-of-season play-offs with a come-from-behind win over the Tigers. Trailing 1-0 at half-time, Boro, who have been relentless at home since Carrick took charge, came flying out of the blocks at the start of the second half, scoring three times in the space of just six minutes.
After youngster Hayden Hackney had brought them level and then Cameron Archer had put them 2-1 ahead, Akpom netted his 28th league goal of the campaign to wrap up the points once and for all, becoming the first player in Championship history to score in nine consecutive home games. The former Arsenal youngster has excelled under Carrick's management, becoming one of the division's star players.
READ MORE: Sevilla vs United LIVE
Ahead of the start of the season, prior to Carrick's appointment, he had not even been awarded a shirt number by former Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder, meaning his exploits this season have been simply staggering. And with the 27-year-old continuing to go from strength-to-strength, he has waxed lyrical about Carrick, hailing the impact he has had on his career.
Asked how much he owes to Carrick after getting his career going again, Akpom, speaking to Sky Sports, said: "Massively. I think he's the manager I've been dreaming of my whole career.
"Honestly, he is a pleasure to work with. I go out there, give 110 per cent and I want to fight for the manager, as he has put so much trust and confidence in me and I really appreciate it. I had to dedicate that [goal] to the gaffer.
"Immediately, when he came in, he put me in the No.10 role and just gave me the license to roam around. If you see me on the pitch, I am just roaming from right to left, and he has given me that freedom to go out there and express myself.
"I appreciate that so much."
READ NEXT:
