Carrick’s Bold Tactics Spark Hope for United’s Champions League Aspirations

While Michael Carrick may lack the charisma of his predecessor, Ruben Amorim, he has demonstrated a significantly bolder tactical approach. If Manchester United continues to embrace this adventurous style, they can enhance their chances of achieving their objectives by winning more matches.

Supporters of Amorim pointed to the fact that United had lost only one of their previous eight games at the time of his dismissal. However, the team was dropping too many points by drawing matches they should have won. Amorim’s tendency to play it safe was evident, as he rarely made necessary in-game tactical adjustments, even when they were glaringly required—such as against 10-man Everton or in the draws with Wolves and West Ham at Old Trafford.

What galvanized United fans during the recent match was the team’s desire not just to defeat Manchester City, but to dominate them. This aggressive mindset is key to ensuring United can overpower weaker teams. Even if they concede a few games that could have been draws under Amorim’s cautious strategy, this bold approach is likely to yield a considerable increase in points.

While Amorim believed in a long-term vision and expected patience from the club, Carrick is acutely aware that his time is limited, as the search for a permanent coach is already underway. His primary hope for securing the position full-time hinges on getting United back into the Champions League, and he recognizes that he has little to lose, which should inspire a more thrilling and attacking style of play.

In the recent match against City, Carrick did not conduct a tactical masterclass. Instead, the simplest adjustments propelled United to victory. The most impactful decision was positioning Bruno Fernandes in an attacking midfield role, rather than the more withdrawn position he occupied under Amorim.

Darren Fletcher had already allowed Fernandes the freedom to advance in his interim matches, and this strategy continued to pay dividends. Fernandes was instrumental against City, creating four significant chances—something he had not achieved against a top-tier team in a decade.

Moreover, Amad Diallo thrived on the right wing, liberated from his previous wing-back duties, while Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez excelled in a traditional back four, effectively neutralizing Erling Haaland.

Kobbie Mainoo also flourished in a familiar role, playing in the 4-2-3-1 formation that highlighted his talents during Erik ten Hag’s tenure. His presence on the pitch, particularly after being overlooked by Amorim, marked a welcome change. Mainoo’s performance was electric, contributing significantly to United’s pressing strategy and showcasing his flair in possession. He recorded 77 high pressures during the game, ranking among the top performers for the season.

Mainoo’s standout display against City underscores the folly of Amorim’s previous decisions to sideline him, although one excellent performance does not solidify his status as a top midfielder. Given his point to prove, Mainoo will be eager to maintain this level of performance.

Amorim may argue that he encountered bad luck in his final games, with key players like Fernandes and Mainoo suffering injuries. However, he had access to a full squad for the early months of the season and failed to capitalize.

Conversely, Carrick is fortunate to have retained key players for his initial matches, enhancing the club’s prospects for a top-four finish. With only a few players sidelined, and assuming no new injuries arise, Carrick could potentially lead a fully-fit squad into the season’s final months.

Moreover, this season has seen the most competitive race for Champions League qualification in Premier League history, with only six points separating the fourth-placed team from the twelfth. This underscores the importance of every match, especially as United has struggled to secure points against lower-ranked teams.

Nonetheless, the surrounding teams also face challenges. While Arsenal, City, and Aston Villa appear likely to secure top-three finishes, fourth and fifth places remain highly contested. Liverpool’s recent struggles and Chelsea’s inexperienced leadership add to the uncertainty.

Seventh-placed Brentford, despite losing key players, has surprised many this season, while Newcastle continues to grapple with consistency amidst their Champions League commitments. Meanwhile, Everton, Fulham, and Brighton seem unable to maintain a streak of victories, leaving United with a significant opportunity to capitalize on their comparatively lighter schedule.