I don’t think you should underestimate what is happening at Man United right now. In the short space of 40 days, Carrick has turned a bunch of underachieving prima donnas into the most in-form club in English football, collecting 19 out of 21 points to ninja their way into 3rd position.
And all he did was make common sense changes, adjusting the shape of the side based on the tools at his disposal. Ruben Amorim took the other approach, pigeonholing his players into his rigid 3-4-3 philosophy. The Portuguese tactician let his ego guide the way and Carrick has proven the complete opposite, making the type of meat-and-potatoes changes that any average punter could identify.
Back in formation
Reverting to a back four was the first step in this mini revolution. Watching Amorim try make that 3-4-3 work was like watching Mr. Bean attempting to woo his girlfriend with a nice Christman dinner: cringey. Luke Shaw and Diego Dalot aren’t exactly Dimarco and Alexander-Arnold- they simply didn’t offer enough cutting edge going forward. They look much more compact now, with many of the changes in the attacking portions of the pitch giving them less defending to do in general. Carrick is in the midst of his first little injury crisis, with both Maguire and Shaw coming off in their 2-1 win over Palace. Fortunately, the return of Diallo could lead to some defensive reshuffling. Still, Wednesday’s trip to Newcastle could test the resolve of this slightly threadbare defensive line.
The liberation of Kobbie Mainoo
Outside of the formation melodrama, Amorim’s decision to freeze out Kobbie Mainoo was one of his more boneheaded moves. Lest we forget, Mainoo was one of the most sought-after midfielders in world football a few years back, playing a starring role in England’s run to the 2024 Euros. Amorim had other ideas, establishing Manuel Ugarte- who he worked with at Sporting- as their de facto midfield destroyer. Ugarte struggled but Amorim didn’t seem interested in reintegrating Mainoo (a fact not helped by some of Mainoo’s overzealous brother). In the process, Amorim also severed his connection with the United fanbase, antagonizing all those in the Stretford End who were living vicariously through the midfielder. Carrick has reestablished that link, bringing an obvious feel-goof factor to the place.
Midfield Auditions?
The biggest item on Carrick’s summer agenda will be how to replace the departing Casemiro. The midfielder has had his say on the matter, openly endorsing compatriot Bruno Guimares. That’s quite an intriguing little narrative twist, with many expecting United to target fellow Magpie Sandro Tonali. Well, United fans will get the chance to see both those midfield options up close on Wednesday night (Newcastle host the Red Devils in a mouthwatering midweek fixture). This decision could prove to be one of the core building blocks of Carrick’s Man United tenure.
Bruno’s World
One thing we can all agree on is that Bruno looks like a different man under Carrick. He was in a state of limbo under Amorim, moved around like a piece in some demented game of self-defeating chess. Amorim often neutered Fernandes in deeper lying positions and Carrick has remedied that, establishing him as a textbook 10 in this new United machine. Fernandes is paying some of the best football of his Manchester United career, brining up his 20th goal involvement of the season with his brilliant cross to Sesko on Sunday. Carrick didn’t need to reinvent the wheel here. Bruno is a 10, play him as a 10.
Sesko causes wonderful selection dilemma
For some time, it looked as if Gyokeres was destined for United, and Sesko for Arsenal. This may sound like a hot take, but Sesko has been a far more successful signing than Viktor Gyokeres. I know, I know. Gyokeres currently leads the line in what is looking like this year’s title-winning side. But let’s face it, this Arsenal side’s success is uniquely incompatible with their attacking output. If Arsenal do go on to win the title, you could make a solid argument that they are the worst attacking unit to ever lift the crown. Gyokeres has divided fan opinion, with many questioning his moon-boot first touch. Sesko’s influence on the team has evolved, and six goals in his last seven matches has helped propel United into the position they are in now. Also, he has been equally effective off the bench as when he started matches. With Diallo set to return at Newcastle, I wonder if Carrick will be tempted to drop the Slovenian to freshen up their attacking options. I personally feel like Cunha could make way. The Brazilian has looked a bit leggy of late and doesn’t get as involved in build-up as Mbeumo. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sesko start, with Mbeumo and Diallo providing the width. Isn’t it crazy how United suddenly have a plethora of in-form attacking options?
Midweek malaise?
One thing I will say is that the only points United have dropped this year were in their midweek fixture at West Ham (which ended in a 1-1 draw). United were eliminated early in both domestic cup competitions and obviously have no European football. I think they have become conditioned to only playing one game a week. So, despite all my Carrick glaze, I anticipate a tough Wednesday evening fixture for a United side used to a week of quiet introspection between games (I’m sure that type of steely readiness will come in time).
