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After struggling to make his mark in LaLiga, Kelechi Iheanacho has received the backing of a former Manchester United star

Middlesbrough head coach and former Manchester United star Michael Carrick has backed Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho to succeed at Riverside Stadium.

The Nigerian forward, who endured a difficult spell at Sevilla, has returned to England on a six-month loan, aiming to rediscover his best form in the EFL Championship.

Carrick backs Iheanacho to make an impact

After struggling for game time and goals in La Liga, Iheanacho opted for a return to England, joining Middlesbrough on loan in the recently concluded January transfer window.

Despite his underwhelming spell at Sevilla, where he failed to score in 401 minutes of league action, Carrick remains confident in the 28-year-old’s ability to turn things around.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, the former Manchester United captain expressed his excitement about adding Iheanacho to the squad saying, “We’re delighted to get Kelechi in. His quality is pretty obvious, and he knows what it takes to be successful at this level from last year.

“He played in the Premier League for a number of years. He’s a quality, quality player, and we’re really happy to have him.

Middlesbrough eye playoff push with Iheanacho

Middlesbrough currently sit seventh in the Championship standings, just outside the playoff spots on goal difference.

With Iheanacho’s experience in English football, Boro will be hoping the Nigerian striker can provide the goals they need to push for promotion.

Carrick was keen to point out that Iheanacho is not a direct replacement for any player but will play a crucial role in the team’s attacking setup.

“He is not a replacement. It’s never one player for one player. It’s a collective responsibility. We’ve got enough throughout the frontline – creating goals, scoring goals,” Carrick concluded.

Having scored five goals in 23 appearances for Leicester City last season, Iheanacho will be looking to improve on that tally and help Middlesbrough secure a spot in the playoff finals come May.