, Aitor Karanka: Stats and Figures

Aitor Karanka: Stats and Figures

After Garry Monk’s shock resignation as Leeds United head coach on Thursday morning, former Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has emerged as strong favourite to take up the role.

The 43 year old was sacked from Boro in March, however has some very impressive achievements to his name during his three and a half year reign at the teesside club.

Karanka joined Middlesbrough in November 2013, after previously working with Jose Mourinho as Real Madrid’s assistant manager. In the Spaniard’s first full season Aitor guided Boro to a comfortable playoff place finishing fourth, and brushed aside Brentford in the semi-final with an aggregate score of 5-1.

However in the final Boro came second best to a strong Norwich City side and were defeated 2-0, denying Karanka of a debut season dream. The following season Middlesbrough achieved automatic promotion finishing second place on 89 points, and beating third placed Brighton on goal difference. During these two Championship seasons Karanka’s side lost just five home games, conceding just 20 goals in them 46 home games.

Karanka has been renown for his strong defensive teams, and his first 108 games in charge of the Boro saw them keep 50 clean sheets. Even in this seasons Premier League, Middlesbrough had the fourth best defense in the league prior to Karanka’s departure in March- however the lack of goals scored by his team caused a problem which found them dangerously hovering above the relegation zone.

Aitor’s win percentage during his 169 games in charge of Middlesbrough was 49.7% with a points per game average of 1.66. Garry Monk’s win percentage at Leeds was exactly 50% with an average of 1.7 points per game, but his all time managerial career win ratio sits at 41.2% after his previous role with Swansea.

It would become even more likely that Karanka will join United with the imminent appointment of Sporting Director Victor Orta expected next week. Orta worked closely with Karanka for the last two years at Middlesbrough and played vital roles with recruitment.

After Monks departure on Thursday, following a failure to agree a suitable contract with recent new owner Andrea Radrizzani, could Aitor Karanka be a perfect replacement?

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