Middlesbrough have announced they have sacked Aitor Karanka after three-and-a-half years at the club.
The newly promoted Premier League side are currently in the bottom three and on course for an instant return to the Championship with three points separating them from safety.
Karanka, who steered Middlesbrough into the Premier League after taking over in November 2013, has endured a peculiar time at the Riverside club and even threatened to stand down in March 2016.
However, Steve Gibson has decided to relieve Karanka of his duties ahead of their meeting with Manchester United on Sunday, which is the last game before a two-week international break.
“I’d like to thank Middlesbrough for a wonderful opportunity and the players, staff and all the people at the club who I have worked with,” Karanka told the club’s official website.
“I’d also like to thank the fans for their support. This club will always hold a special place for me and I wish everyone connected with Middlesbrough Football Club the very best for the future.”
While Middlesbrough haven’t necessarily struggled defensively, in fact they have one of the best defensive records in the league (30 goals conceded), they have really failed to get going in attack. Indeed, no team has scored fewer goals in England’s top six tiers this season than Boro (19).
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