Michael Carrick's Man Utd Comeback: Who Thrived and Who Struggled
The confusion surrounding Manchester United over recent weeks has cleared—temporarily, at minimum.
Michael Carrick has been appointed as the club's interim head coach, rather than manager, through the season's conclusion, beating out competition from former United forward and boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær—and the previous Middlesbrough chief will be charged with restoring some dignity from what's been another underwhelming season.
There will certainly be conflicted feelings in the United locker room after Ruben Amorim's departure and Carrick's subsequent appointment. For some players, the 44-year-old's arrival signals the start of a fresh era. For others, it will spark worries about what lies ahead.
Here are those who benefit and those who suffer from his hiring.
Winners
Winners
Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo
Amorim's departure will have been enthusiastically welcomed in the Kobbie Mainoo family. Despite the youngster's potential and clear ability, he was marginalized by the Portuguese manager, mainly due to Amorim's rigid tactical approach.
The 3-4-2-1 system forced Mainoo to compete directly with captain Bruno Fernandes for playing time, a contest that was always destined to conclude predictably. The English midfielder has been restricted to a substitute role and has yet to begin a Premier League match.
Carrick's hiring will revitalize the 20-year-old. The transition to 4-2-3-1 opens an additional midfield position and Mainoo seems positioned to partner Casemiro in the double pivot, providing equilibrium in the center between the defensively-focused Brazilian and the inventive Fernandes.
"If you possess it, you possess it. He has demonstrated that he possesses it," Carrick remarked about Mainoo last July, comments that will certainly elevate the youngster's confidence.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes would be an invaluable resource for any United coach and Carrick will benefit from the Portuguese playmaker's remarkable talent. The captain will also gain from this fresh partnership as he receives enhanced offensive liberty.
Theoretically, Fernandes appears most suited to function in the attacking midfield position within Carrick's setup. A shift that permits the 31-year-old to weave his brilliance in more threatening zones, it should advantage both United and the individual.
Even from a withdrawn position, Fernandes has been outstanding this campaign. He's generated 56 opportunities in the Premier League this season—15 more than any other player—and tops the league for expected assists (5.1). He's a tireless creator regardless of his position, but operating further upfield should help United unlock defenses more effectively.
Amad Diallo
Amad Diallo
Despite being among United's top performers this season, Amad Diallo was deployed as a right wing-back under Amorim. Strong showings in an unnatural position have drawn praise, but the Ivorian, who has missed recent games due to Africa Cup of Nations duty, should return to his natural position under Carrick.
The interim United boss has limited wide choices after the Red Devils sold most of their wingers during the summer. Bryan Mbeumo and Amad are the only natural options at his disposal.
Amad isn't assured a starting spot under Carrick given United's quality in attack, but his appointment should at least provide the 23-year-old the opportunity to excel in a more attacking wide position. With choices limited, Amad can quickly establish his credentials having recently returned from AFCON—a competition where he netted three goals and provided one assist.
Losers
Losers
Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha was acquired with Amorim's formation in consideration. The summer signing thrived in a 3-4-2-1 at Wolverhampton Wanderers and assumed his anticipated role as the left-sided attacking midfielder under the Portuguese coach, but he now confronts uncertainty regarding his future position.
Cunha can function as a No.10, but must compete with Fernandes. He can operate as a central forward, but needs to challenge Benjamin Šeško. He can appear from the left flank despite it not being his favored role, but he must contend with Amad for a starting position.
There seems no assured path into the lineup for Cunha currently. Injuries and form might still change his circumstances, but he may be one United squad member disheartened by Amorim's exit.
Patrick Dorgu
Patrick Dorgu
Patrick Dorgu has developed as a makeshift winger recently and while he's performed respectably in the position, his permanent future lies in defense. He was recruited as a wing-back for Amorim's formation, but struggled for opportunities due to his attack-minded approach—particularly with Amad on the opposite flank.
Now anticipated to function in a traditional back four, Dorgu will encounter challenges. Not only will his playing time decrease with Luke Shaw projected to be Carrick's first-choice left-back, but his attacking contributions will be limited.
Dorgu might find success between now and season's end as a wide attacker, but he's improbable to maintain his starting position,
Mason Mount
Mason Mount
Like Cunha, there now seems no obvious spot for Mason Mount in the United squad. The rejuvenated Englishman has been among the club's bright spots this season despite injuries continuing to affect his participation, but he's been utilized as an attacking midfielder by Amorim.
He's unlikely to receive playing time as an attacking midfielder, with that role secured by Fernandes, while he's not a natural wide player. He could function alongside Casemiro in midfield, but there will be reasonable doubts about his defensive capabilities.
Just as Mount's United journey seemed to be gaining momentum, he's headed for another spell of uncertainty.