Appointed interim manager after Ruben Amorim was sacked, Michael Carrick has made a perfect start to his adventure at Manchester United. In two games on the bench, the former Red Devils midfielder has secured two prestigious victories against Manchester City (2-0) and Arsenal (2-3), immediately reviving a team that had lost its way.
At Manchester United, Michael Carrick has taken charge. And it shows. Far from the trial and error and convoluted tactics of the previous period, the Red Devils have rediscovered a more direct, more predictable and, above all, more consistent style of play. In two matches against Manchester City (2-0) and then Arsenal (2-3), the interim coach immediately restored confidence to a team that seemed to have lost its way.
A simple message, renewed confidence
As soon as he took over, the former midfielder refocused his management on a clear principle: confidence before concepts. ‘I think that comes through in the messages we send them and in our behaviour. I believe in them and I try to show it,’ explained the interim coach, emphasising attitude over words. Shorter, more fast-paced training sessions and direct instructions quickly changed the atmosphere.
This approach is evident on the pitch. Manchester United are playing more compactly and more vertically, without trying to make unnecessary passes. ‘We need to maintain good habits and routines. We’re taking things week by week, match by match,’ continued Carrick, aware that this momentum needs to be sustained over time. Against Manchester City and Arsenal, the team gave the impression that they knew exactly what they needed to do.
Mainoo back at the heart of the project
The strongest symbol of this shift remains the repositioning of Kobbie Mainoo. Long marginalised under Ruben Amorim, the English midfielder has regained a central role, playing as a defensive midfielder and primary playmaker to give more freedom to Bruno Fernandes, who has been overburdened with responsibility in recent months. Carrick has made him the foundation of the revival, protected by a tight block and given freedom with the ball, with clear and confident instructions.
With no additional competitions to disrupt their rhythm – Manchester United have been eliminated from the League Cup and FA Cup and are absent from European competition this season – they now have a favourable schedule to establish these principles. There is no guarantee of a smooth ride, but this return to simplicity finally provides a coherent basis for considering a winning streak. At Old Trafford, sometimes understanding the club is more important than theorising about it.
