Middlesbrough fans were shocked when Kelechi Iheanacho was left out of the starting lineup for their crucial 1-0 defeat to Millwall on Saturday.
The Nigerian forward, who joined Boro on loan from Sevilla in January, has been one of the most talked-about players in recent weeks due to his inconsistency.
Despite a slow start, where he struggled to score or assist in several matches, Iheanacho seemed to find his form after the international break, scoring against Oxford United and providing two assists in a win over Blackburn Rovers.
However, his disappointing performance against Leeds United, which included boos from frustrated fans, raised questions about his future at the club.
But why did manager Michael Carrick choose to leave Iheanacho on the bench against Millwall? Was it the pressure from fans or something else entirely?
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Carrick quickly set the record straight after the match, insisting that his decision was not influenced by fan criticism.
“I don’t make my decisions based on what people say about the players,” Carrick explained to TeessideLive. “It was just one decision. Players have come in and out of the team all season.”
Carrick stressed that it was simply a tactical choice, and his support for Iheanacho remained unwavering. “It doesn’t mean I don’t support all the players. These things happen every week.
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All the players are important to us, and me and my staff look at many things when choosing the team.”
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Iheanacho’s struggles have not just affected his role at Middlesbrough — they’ve also impacted his place in the Nigerian national team.
Despite being named in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, he was ultimately excluded from the final list for the matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Now, the 27-year-old forward will be hoping to regain his best form and earn a spot back in the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming Unity Cup in London.
