Michael Carrick Transforms Man Utd: The Secret Behind Their Stunning Revival
Across five matches leading Manchester United, Michael Carrick has faced Unai Emery, Thomas Tuchel, Mikel Arteta (on two occasions) and Pep Guardiola. His record remains perfect.
In just a fortnight, United appear to be a completely different organization following 14 months of rigid disappointment under Ruben Amorim's leadership. "Better days are ahead," the Portuguese manager declared after the club's poorest Premier League campaign ended last May. Now, fans are genuinely optimistic.
During his second stint in charge, Carrick has guided the team to a 2–0 Manchester derby victory and an incredible 3–2 win against table-toppers Arsenal, sealed by Matheus Cunha's brilliant 87th-minute effort that silenced the tense Emirates Stadium.
Rio Ferdinand might soon be urging the United board to present Carrick with a contract, let him sign it and allow him to name his own terms, though such rushed decisions are improbable.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær needed to secure 14 victories from his initial 19 matches before receiving permanent appointment, so there's no certainty the former Red Devils midfielder will stay in the Old Trafford technical area long-term. Defensive challenges await them soon.
Still, the swift transformation from despair to optimism has been extraordinary. Here are several crucial factors behind United's improvement under Carrick's guidance.
Freedom for Fernandes
Liberation for Fernandes
Fernandes vs. Arsenal - Stats Snapshot
Fernandes vs. Arsenal - Performance Overview
Amorim's rigid 3-4-2-1 system created numerous problems, including a tactical puzzle concerning his star playmaker, Bruno Fernandes.
His reluctance to rely on Kobbie Mainoo left United with inferior technical players when Fernandes wasn't deployed in the midfield partnership, prompting Amorim to address his build-up problems by positioning his captain deeper, frequently alongside Casemiro.
The exceptional Fernandes continued as the pulse of Amorim's United, though opponents looked to exploit his defensive weaknesses by consistently making runs beyond him and overwhelming the three-man defense. In possession, the Portuguese could spark counter-attacks through his exceptional passing ability, but Amorim's tactics restricted his impact near the penalty area.
Predictably, Carrick has moved away from Amorim's disappointing system and chosen a pragmatic approach. He's granted his finest player, Fernandes, the liberty to cause damage from the most threatening areas of the field.
Fernandes has functioned as a dual false nine alongside Bryan Mbeumo against Man City and Arsenal. In the derby, United managed to overpower Rodri in the defensive midfield role, and his positioning frequently outsmarted Martín Zubimendi on Sunday. William Saliba was uncertain whether to advance or retreat when Fernandes found space between the lines, with the Frenchman worried about the gap he'd leave behind.
Following a sluggish beginning, Fernandes took control of the match and was instrumental in United's victory. His movement and neat interplay enabled Patrick Dorgu's "goal of a lifetime" to put the visitors ahead 2–1. He's an exceptional talent, and Carrick's choice to pair him with Mbeumo has proven highly effective thus far.
Employing United's DNA
Embracing United's Identity
Amorim's stubbornness and rigidity made it difficult for supporters, and possibly players, to embrace his methods. While Antonio Conte captured the Premier League using a three-man defense in 2016–17, football has significantly changed since then, and elite teams rarely adopt Amorim-style formations.
Even Conte has switched to a four-man defense since joining Napoli.
Formations and structures are often secondary considerations, however. Philosophy and purpose are paramount. United abandoned their much-criticized 'DNA' by hiring Amorim, but Carrick appears to be helping the club rediscover what made them successful for decades.
The interim boss isn't revolutionizing tactics, but he's empowering and enabling players to excel within a well-balanced system. Optimism is spreading throughout the squad, and the first team suddenly feels more connected with the vital academy through Kobbie Mainoo's return.
Mainoo has enhanced the technical quality of United's midfield, providing the Red Devils with necessary bravery to play through pressure after absorbing attacks. The midfielder assisted Cunha's spectacular winner at the Emirates, having excelled in the derby.
While the 'United DNA' is difficult to define precisely, Carrick seems to be incorporating elements of Sir Alex Ferguson's successful teams, similar to Solskjær. The Red Devils are playing with bravery and attacking intent. No obstacle seems insurmountable thanks to Carrick's clear philosophy and, importantly, player commitment.
Unleashing Patrick Dorgu
Empowering Patrick Dorgu
Within 180 minutes, Carrick has significantly undermined Amorim's declining reputation. The Portuguese manager's failure to maximize a clearly talented roster was among his biggest shortcomings, with players recruited for Amorim all contributing significantly to their early success under Carrick.
Cunha delivered Sunday's winning goal, having provided an assist as a substitute in the derby, while Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu have found the net in consecutive matches.
Mbeumo's quality was evident before the Africa Cup of Nations, but Dorgu had endured significant difficulties during his first year at the club. The Dane received little support from his previous manager, whose peculiar media approach was exemplified in late November when he confessed to feeling nervous whenever Dorgu touched the ball. That's hardly inspiring for a young player.
The switch to a four-man defense left the interim manager needing cover on the left wing. Dorgu's struggles as a wing-back under Amorim suggested Cunha or Mason Mount were more obvious choices to start on the left in the derby, but Carrick selected Dorgu. His confidence in the young Dane has been justified.
Dorgu has fulfilled an unselfish role on the flank, constantly moving up and down to prevent his full-back from being isolated while offering width when United possess the ball.
"Pat's been crucial for us, obviously he's netted twice but regarding the danger and pace and skill, he's been outstanding down that flank with Luke [Shaw] against two sides that pose many challenges," Carrick commented after Sunday's victory. Dorgu scored from close range against Man City, then linked up centrally with Fernandes before unleashing a strike that beat David Raya and perfectly hit the crossbar's underside.
That moment illustrated the renewed confidence surging through the Dane that the interim manager has cultivated through a dramatic change in approach and communication.
There's been tactical intelligence and improved clarity from the sideline, but player empowerment has been crucial to United's strong beginning under Carrick.