For a bit of fun in the meantime, we fired up the latest edition of Football Manager, and simulated the game into the future. We had a look at the starting XI, key subs and manager it predicts will be on show for Boro on the opening day of the 2020/21 season.
1. New season, same division
Football Manager predicts that Middlesbrough will successfully stave off the threat of relegation. They open the 2020/21 season at home to Blackburn Rovers. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood
2. GK: Aynsley Pears
The homegrown talent keeps his starting spot for the 2020/21 season, after Middlesbrough resisted bringing in a new stopper over the summer. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood
3. RB: Moritz Bauer
Boro freshened up their defence by signing the Austrian ace from Stoke City. He's coming off the back of a frustrating loan spell with Celtic. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill
4. CB: Dael Fry
Boro managed to fight off interest from a number of top tier sides, and keep the highly-rated defender at the club. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Davidson