Manchester United boss makes big Premier League call on Socceroos star

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick insisted Socceroos star Riley McGree has the "ability" to play in the Premier League as the Australian eyes promotion with Middlesbrough. McGree has called Boro home since 2022, and the Socceroo has established himself as a key member at the Riverside Stadium.

During his four years at the club, McGree and Boro have flirted with promotion from the English second tier after losing last season's play-off final to Hull City at Wembley which saw the Aussie sidelined due to injury. They also reached the semi-finals in 2022-23, when former United and England midfielder Carrick was at the helm.

Carrick, now in the Old Trafford dugout, knows McGree well and heaped praise on the 27-year-old. "I really enjoyed working with Riley," Carrick told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"He's just been really unfortunate with injuries, and some injuries at the wrong time. Picking that one up right at the end of the season, before the World Cup, was a huge hurdle for him, I'm sure.

He's got the ability to play in the Premier League, he just needs that little bit of luck. Hopefully this year with Middlesbrough, they can do that.

McGree already has three assists to his name through 12 matches this season as Boro top the Championship standings. During his time with Boro, the former A-League star has scored 21 goals and supplied 17 assists in 140 appearances across all competitions.

McGree, who missed the 2026 FIFA World Cup through injury, addedvia the Sydney Morning Herald: I'd like to think that if I was fit, I may have had the opportunity by now to play in the Premier League, whether that be with Middlesbrough through promotion, or in a separate way. But that's not reality, is it?

I haven't, and I've been injured and I've missed opportunities - but that doesn't stop me from believing that I still can do that. I still strongly believe that I'm the best I've ever been.

I still truly believe that I can be one of the best players in the Championship, and I truly believe that I can get promoted with Middlesbrough and we can get to the Premier League." By commenting, you agree to our Commenting Guidelines