Middlesbrough conceded a stoppage-time winner against Preston as Michael Carrick tasted defeat in his first game in charge.
Carrick took over as Boro manager during the week, with predecessor Chris Wilder sacked after a poor run of form left the Teesside club in relegation trouble. It was his first permanent managerial job, though he did take caretaker charge of Manchester United in November 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal.
It took less than 10 minutes for the 41-year-old's team to take the lead, but the joy was short-lived. After the heart-wrenching defeat at Deepdale, relegation to the third tier remains a worry for the cllub.
"Ultimately, it’s about winning, and scoring goals, and creating that excitement, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do to win. There’s a balance," Carrick said before his first game.
"There’s never a perfect way to play football, but more than anything, I just want the boys to express themselves. I want them to go out there and do what they’re good at, and make the most of it.”
Chuba Akpom, who scored in each of Boro's last two wins, put Carrick's men ahead early on before Emil Riis Jakobsen drew Preston level. The game looked to be heading for a draw, only for the hosts to find a winner through centre-back Jordan Storey in second-half stoppage time.
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The result means Middlesbrough are kept from the relegation places by goal difference only, while two of the teams below them have a game or more in hand. They're back in action at Hull City on Tuesday, with Carrick taking charge of his first Riverside Stadium game as Bristol City come to town on November 5.
Carrick arrived well aware of his task, but was positive about his chances of making an impact before beginning with a defeat. “I feel great. I took training and to work with the boys and be on the grass was great," he said. "I want to improve them as individuals and as a team. I have been looking to do this and was patient. I wanted to be ready and I am 100pc.
“You have to be calm and realistic without being relaxed. My passion is younger players and giving them a chance and linking the academy. Then results, you want attractive football but also winning football.
“It is a testing start and intense until the break. We will hit the two weeks head on looking forward to the games and get some work into them in the break. It is busy, but I am used to having lots of games. It is relentless. We are all here because we love winning football matches.”
