Source: Northern_Echo
McManus unsure of his Boro future
STEPHEN McManus revealed it was great to be back in a Middlesbrough shirt but confessed he was unsure whether he would be still wearing one next season.[LNB] McManus returned to the Boro starting XI for the first time since a 2-1 home victory over Crystal Palace on November 6 and played an integral part as the club recorded a first win at Bramall Lane since 1987 and its second double of the season - the first was against Scunthorpe.[LNB] The former Celtic defender was a colossus at the back answering every question posed by a Sheffield attack while also protecting his more inexperienced counterparts at the same time.[LNB] "I was just glad to get involved again and make a start," said the 30-year-old.[LNB] "It was a proper man's game, which was good for us to get the victory. You know when you come here it is going to be a battle and a physical game, but we stood up well to it.[LNB] "We need a few more wins and we still need to keep our run going. There's personal pride as well, you want to win every game. That was a big one for us and the next one against Ipswich is going to be the same.[LNB] "You want to beat the teams around you especially, but every win is vital."[LNB] The Scotland international admitted Boro may have been a little fortunate to win, but says that's the way football works sometimes.[LNB] He said: "I think we only had about three attempts at goal that I can remember, and we scored two. The other chance was a wonder save off Rhys (Williams). They had a few chances as well.[LNB] "But we've played a lot and created a lot of chances this year where we haven't taken them and we've lost those game, so it swings both ways."[LNB] But the euphoria of the victory was tempered when the defender was questioned about his future on Teesside.[LNB] And the Scot acknowledged he could be one of the victims of a club trying to economise and cut its cloth accordingly following the club's fall from Premier League grace.[LNB] McManus is one of several high wage earners still on the books and is widely expected to follow the likes of David Wheater and Adam Johnson out the door in the summer.[LNB] "It will be down to the manager," he said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and I am still enjoying my time here.[LNB] "I thought my season was finished (through injury) and I was looking forward to next season. But I've got fit and I've come on in two games and had one start, which has been great.[LNB] "Hopefully, it will continue and we can push on next season.[LNB] "There is a few of us in the same boat, but I'm not sure what will happen. We'll just have to wait and see."[LNB]
