Middlesbrough’s three senior summer recruits all appeared as Michael Carrick’s team began their summer campaign in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Portugal. Boro lost 2-0 against Portuguese top division team Vitoria, who have already played three friendly in preparation for the next season. Vitoria scored both of its goals in the second half.
Boro included Luke Ayling, Delano Burgzorg, and Aidan Morris, with Carrick fielding a completely different starting lineup for each half and making additional replacements. Burgzorg and Morris made their Boro debuts after joining the club this summer.
Carrick will also have been thrilled to see a number of key senior players who were injured late last season gain some playing time. Hayden Hackney, Josh Coburn, Dael Fry, and Riley McGree all performed some roles. Boro’s training stint in Portugal concludes with a game against Vitoria, who finished fifth in the Primeira Liga last season.
Carrick’s team will begin their domestic summer season with a friendly against League One Bolton at Bishop Auckland next Saturday.
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