Michael Carrick’s Simplified Approach Revitalizes Manchester United

MANCHESTER, England — Michael Carrick has reintroduced a sense of simplicity to Manchester United, though he cannot completely eliminate the prevailing chaos. Following Benjamin Sesko’s dramatic stoppage-time winner that clinched a 3-2 victory over Fulham, it became evident that simplicity and chaos can indeed coexist.

United appeared poised for a comfortable win at Old Trafford, having established a 2-0 lead through goals from Casemiro and Matheus Cunha. However, an 85th-minute penalty from Raúl Jiménez, followed by Kevin’s stunning equalizer in the first minute of stoppage time, threatened to undermine Carrick’s early momentum as head coach.

Yet, Sesko’s decisive goal in the 94th minute — a well-executed turn and shot from a Bruno Fernandes cross — turned the tide and secured the win for United. This classic “Fergie Time” goal, witnessed by Sir Alex Ferguson, was a testament to United’s determination to pursue victory rather than settle for a draw.

Three matches into his tenure, which is expected to last until the season’s end, Carrick has led United to three straight wins over high-profile opponents like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Fulham, positioning the team unexpectedly for UEFA Champions League qualification.

There has been considerable discussion regarding Carrick’s efforts to restore the club’s “DNA” and honor its attacking traditions, which emphasize a calculated risk-reward approach. However, the true essence of his revival strategy lies in eliminating the confusion and complexity that characterized the tenure of Ruben Amorim, opting instead for a more straightforward game plan.

When Sesko netted the winning goal, having previously hit the post, it signified the fruit of Carrick’s willingness to make tactical decisions that Amorim often eschewed, such as substituting a forward (Cunha) with another (Sesko).

This pattern was echoed in the recent 3-2 victory at Arsenal, where Cunha emerged as the winner after being brought on for Bryan Mbeumo. Carrick’s substitutions reflect a commitment to maintaining tactical consistency by employing like-for-like player changes.

In his third game in charge, Carrick made his first alteration due to injury, substituting Cunha for Patrick Dorgu. Rather than altering his tactics or formation, he seamlessly integrated Cunha into the attacking trio, covering the absence of Dorgu, who is anticipated to be sidelined for ten weeks due to a hamstring injury.

Carrick has maintained a consistent back four, contrasting with Amorim’s frequent tactical shifts, and has paired Casemiro with Kobbie Mainoo in midfield. Mainoo has emerged as one of the standout performers during Carrick’s short tenure, despite Amorim’s reluctance to start the talented 20-year-old in any Premier League match this season. By positioning Mainoo in a defensive midfield role, Carrick has allowed captain Bruno Fernandes to operate in his preferred No. 10 position.

Amorim’s tactical indecision hindered Fernandes’s effectiveness, as he struggled to find a suitable role for the team’s best player within his 3-4-3 formation. This indecisiveness ultimately proved detrimental, impacting both the player and the team’s performance.

Moreover, Carrick has benefited from the return of Mbeumo and Amad after their AFCON duties, both of whom have played pivotal roles in the team’s resurgence. Their success can be attributed to Carrick’s commitment to employing players in their optimal positions, a departure from the previous coach’s eccentricities, which included frequent tactical changes and defensive substitutions under pressure.

Amorim’s approach left players entrenched in uncertainty, leading to poor results. In contrast, Carrick has embraced a straightforward strategy that, while unconventional in today’s data-driven football landscape, is yielding positive outcomes.

Under Carrick’s leadership, United is playing with newfound freedom and confidence, achieving results that seemed improbable during Amorim’s tenure. The boldness of Carrick’s tactical decisions, such as making like-for-like substitutions, reflects his desire to win while showing trust in his players’ abilities to manage both offensive and defensive duties—trust that was notably absent during Amorim’s 14-month reign.

It remains uncertain whether Amorim now regrets his lack of flexibility, but it’s likely he is refraining from watching United games, as they serve as a reminder of what could have been. Carrick, on the other hand, remains focused on maintaining this momentum, confidently pursuing victories through a simplified and risk-embracing approach.