Revitalization at United: Carrick’s Impact Post-Amorim

omidbasir- The revival of Manchester United under interim manager Michael Carrick has highlighted the shortcomings of the previous head coach, Ruben Amorim. Since taking over following Amorim’s dismissal on January 5, Carrick has led the Red Devils to consecutive victories against top-tier teams, triumphing over Manchester City and Arsenal within just eight days.

Former England striker Alan Shearer has characterized these results as a clear indictment of the tactical inflexibility that characterized Amorim’s tenure. On the podcast “The Rest is Football,” Shearer expressed his disbelief at what the former Sporting CP manager must be feeling as he observes the team’s immediate improvement after his exit. He particularly criticized Amorim’s stubborn adherence to his preferred system, suggesting that this rigidity ultimately cost him his position.

“What on earth is Ruben Amorim sitting there thinking, watching those two performances? I honestly have no idea,” Shearer remarked. “It’s absolutely baffling not to attempt a change in formation. The arrogance to insist, ‘No, I won’t try anything else. This is my way or the highway,’ is astounding.”

The essence of the frustration surrounding Amorim’s 14-month reign was his steadfast commitment to a 3-4-2-1 formation, which often resulted in a disjointed team performance. Supporters criticized this approach, feeling it hampered the squad’s attacking capabilities. In stark contrast, Carrick has reverted to a more conventional 4-2-3-1 system, a shift that has yielded positive results, including a 2-0 victory over City at home and a thrilling 3-2 win at the Emirates.

Shearer expressed disbelief that Amorim was unwilling to acknowledge that his strategies were underperforming. He argued that adaptability is a hallmark of successful management, something that was glaringly absent during Amorim’s time.

“To not even consider shifting tactics or recognizing that his approach was failing is astonishing. He put all his faith into that system, and when it failed, he was finished. And indeed, it did fail,” Shearer commented.

The decision to part ways with Amorim followed a series of disappointing performances, culminating in a record of 24 wins, 18 draws, and 21 losses from 63 matches—statistics that rendered his position untenable. Despite the team’s struggles, Amorim remained steadfast in his approach, notably refusing to adopt a four-man defense despite widespread calls for change from both fans and analysts. This persistence fostered a toxic atmosphere, where the style of play faced criticism alongside the results. The marked improvement in performance under Carrick suggests that the players were either ill-equipped for the complexities of a back-three system or simply rejuvenated by a return to a more familiar structure.

While Carrick has enjoyed a successful start to his interim tenure, Shearer refrained from advocating for his immediate permanent appointment. Acknowledging the impressive nature of the recent victories, he cautioned that two games represent a small sample size in the broader context of a season.

“It is too early to make a definitive judgment after just two games. Carrick has made an extraordinary start—perhaps even surprising himself. However, I would advise revisiting this conversation in two months,” Shearer concluded.

For now, the management at Old Trafford will be relieved to witness an immediate resurgence, validating their decision to make a change. However, as the search for a long-term successor continues, the lessons from the previous regime’s tactical inflexibility will serve as a cautionary tale for whoever steps into the managerial role next.