They've risen from 21st to the heady heights of 5th in the Championship, partly thanks to six wins in their past seven.
Carrick's 22 points from his first 10 games is the most by a new Boro boss since Bryan Robson took one more in 1994.
Striker Chuba Akpom is rejuvenated too, with 10 goals in 11 games.
The hosts are only ahead of visitors Millwall on goal difference.
The Lions make the long trip north aiming to extend their four-match unbeaten run, having kept five clean sheets in their past eight outings.
The Sheffield United bandwagon hit the slightest of hitches last time out in the Championship, with the Blades seeing their five-match winning run come to an end at QPR.