Michael Carrick's Urgent Mission: Three Critical Issues That Could Make or Break Man United's Season
Manchester United's search for an interim successor to Ruben Amorim came to an end on Tuesday when former player Michael Carrick was named head coach, rather than manager, through the remainder of the campaign.
Carrick, who featured in 464 matches for the Red Devils during his playing career, brings managerial experience from his three-year spell at Middlesbrough, though that role hardly compares to the challenge awaiting him at Old Trafford in the months ahead.
A poisonous mixture of indifference and anger drives the United support following a decade of letdowns, and while criticism frequently targets the club's leadership and owners, Carrick will undoubtedly face intense scrutiny if results deteriorate—despite his temporary status.
Numerous issues require attention at United, but Carrick can only tackle those relating to on-field matters—here are three priorities the 44-year-old must immediately address to restore the club's fortunes.
Stabilise a Leaky Backline
Stabilise a Leaky Backline
Above all else, Carrick will work toward establishing a consistent back four. He predominantly employed a 4-2-3-1 setup throughout his tenure at Middlesbrough, seldom deviating from this approach, and should completely abandon Amorim's 3-4-2-1 tactical blueprint.
The requirement for defensive stability at United is evident. They have allowed 32 goals in Premier League action this season, surpassing everyone except the bottom seven teams, and constant changes in the defensive unit have worsened their problems at the back. Managing just two clean sheets from 21 fixtures is simply inadequate.
The addition of reliable keeper Senne Lammens eliminates any goalkeeper concerns for Carrick, though he must make choices across his defensive line. Luke Shaw's left-back role seems guaranteed, while Lisandro Martínez should occupy the left center-back position. Matthijs de Ligt appears the preferred defensive leader upon his return from injury, with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui competing for the right-back spot.
Whatever the precise makeup of Carrick's defensive quartet, consistency remains crucial. Unnecessary changes only bewilder an already struggling defense, making it harder to develop understanding within a constantly shifting backline.
Without European commitments and having been eliminated from both domestic tournaments early, defensive rotation becomes unnecessary.
Reinvigorate the Team With 'Exciting' Style of Play
Reinvigorate the Team With 'Exciting' Style of Play
United's attacking play has grown monotonous and foreseeable in the final third. The statistical foundation looks encouraging for the Red Devils, who lead in shots on target per game and rank second for expected goals in the Premier League this season, yet their recent offensive performances have been deeply disappointing.
United have found the net multiple times in only one of their last six outings—scoring twice against bottom-placed Burnley while still dropping points—and uninspiring stalemates with Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers suggest difficulties penetrating defensive setups.
Carrick built his reputation on possession-focused tactics at Middlesbrough, which produced prolific scoring—220 goals across merely 136 games to be exact. This augurs well considering he'll be coaching some of the Premier League's most gifted attackers.
The flanks might present challenges for Carrick following United's summer clearout of wingers, with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo representing the sole natural senior wide options supporting the fullbacks, but the former 34-cap England midfielder must resolve this tactical puzzle.
"Hopefully, we can deliver a truly thrilling brand of football that's positive and expressive, bringing genuine excitement. I want to be jumping from my seat," Carrick declared in an interview following his interim appointment. This certainly promises well for the Old Trafford supporters.
Get Kobbie Mainoo Back Playing and in a Groove
Get Kobbie Mainoo Back Playing and in a Groove
The Kobbie Mainoo situation has created unnecessary complications for United this campaign. After having his summer loan request turned down, the 20-year-old was subsequently almost completely overlooked by Amorim during the season's opening half. He remains without a Premier League start in 2025–26.
Mainoo became a casualty of Amorim's formation that essentially demanded he surpass Bruno Fernandes to secure his position. This scenario was never realistic, and United's European absence has further restricted his playing time. Nevertheless, Amorim's exit could provide his liberation.
Mainoo seems ideally suited to join Casemiro in Carrick's central midfield pairing, allowing Fernandes to operate in his preferred advanced playmaker role. Carrick has spoken glowingly about Mainoo before, indicating his readiness to offer the versatile midfielder a chance to rebuild his standing.
Giving the homegrown talent opportunities to rediscover his rhythm would surely please United fans, many of whom have expressed frustration over Mainoo's limited involvement. For Carrick, it represents a straightforward way to boost team morale.