Manager full of praise for what out-on-loan Leeds ace did on Tuesday, ‘a lot more to come’

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Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has praised Leeds United loanee Sam Greenwood for how he handled himself in his first start for the club.

Carrick was speaking to mfc.co.uk after Boro’s 2-0 win over Cardiff City on Tuesday, in which Greenwood was finally handed his full debut for the club.

Greenwood made the loan switch to the Riverside in the final 48 hours of the transfer window but had been forced to settle for appearances off the bench until Tuesday night.

In fact, this was his first competitive start since Leeds’ 2-2 draw with Newcastle United all the way back in May, where he was substituted at half-time.

Greenwood spent much of pre-season at Leeds injured after starting the friendly against Manchester United, before then being handed brief cameos against West Brom and Salford City ahead of his move to Boro.

Carrick hails Leeds loanee Greenwood

Speaking on his performance after the game, Carrick was full of praise for how Greenwood played considering how long it has been since his last start, and feels he has plenty more to offer.

“I thought Sam, it’s his first start for a while, he grew into the game really, really impressively and so there’s a lot more to come from him. We’re looking forward to seeing that.”

Greenwood was also handed a 7/10 for his performance by Boro’s local press the Gazette, who claimed he looked ‘bright’ on his first start.

This season will be a crucial one for Greenwood as he needs to ensure he really nails down a preferred position after being used in roles that clearly didn’t suit him at Leeds.

Greenwood started as a number 10 for Boro on Tuesday and at the moment that looks like his best position, but he will only improve if he is able to play there consistently.