Time hasn’t slowed down for Middlesbrough and U.S. men’s national team midfielder Aidan Morris. If anything, it has moved a little bit faster as the former Columbus Crew standout continues to acclimate himself to a new club, league, and country.
Morris is with the USMNT for the upcoming pair of September matches against Canada and New Zealand. After making the move to the English Football League Championship, Morris has jumped right into Michael Carrick’s squad, earning an early consistent role on Teesside.
He’s featured in all six matches for Middlesbrough this summer, helping them register a 2-1-1 record in Championship play. Morris didn’t have much time to rest this summer before embarking over 3,700 miles but has enjoyed his time abroad so far and already knows what to expect for the remainder of the league season.
“It’s been a good transition,” Morris told reporters Thursday from USMNT camp. “Life’s not the easiest moving across the world, away from family and friends, but I’ve got great teammates over there, so they made the transition easy. Back in Columbus, Wilfred [Nancy] and his whole staff did such a good job with me there. Not only was it not easy for me to have success there, but I think the way he pushed me back in Columbus, it set me up well for different environments around the world, especially England.
“In England, in this league, I think all you guys know if you watch it a lot,” he added. “It’s very physical. It lasts for 90 minutes. I think that’s the biggest thing I’ve taken from it. It’s chaotic, it’s nonstop. I’ve tried to have a calming sense to it all and try to calm down games and control a little bit but, yeah, it’s been a joy to see a different side of football.”
Morris’ shift to Middlesbrough has not only provided him with a new challenge but also the opportunity to work with an idol from his childhood. Former Manchester United and England midfielder Michael Carrick has been in charge of Middlesbrough since 2022, leading the club to 47 victories in his 93 matches in charge.
Carrick, who played in over 750 matches for club and country, brings a wealth of experience to the squad, something that Morris has already started to soak in. Not many players are able to work with a 19-year professional, but Morris is reaping the reward of having Carrick in his corner since day one.
“It’s funny,” Morris said, “because I grew up watching him my whole life. My dad used to take me out of school to watch Manchester United growing up, so seeing him when I first got there was surreal. Now being able to work with him, it’s been a joy. He’s so knowledgeable, as you could see in his career. His vision of the game and everything was one of the best at the time.
“I just try to be a sponge and soak in all the information I can with him around. We’ve formed a good relationship so far,” he added. “Hopefully, we will go on to accomplish some good things and take them up to the Premier League.”
Morris will be seeking his sixth and seventh respective USMNT caps when Mikey Varas’ men return to action for the first time since July.
