Two games, three goals, and six points against any two teams in the world would mark a perfect start for any manager at any club. However, doing it against Manchester City and Arsenal back to back has surely reset the standards this season for Manchester United under Michael Carrick.
So what is it up to? Is Michael Carrick a magical tactician and a generational manager in the making? Or is he simply enjoying a brilliant new-manager bounce with Manchester United players? Or maybe he has managed to pick a balanced Manchester United team back to back in two weeks—something Ruben Amorim spent months trying to figure out.
Manchester United have always had the players to finish in the top four of the Premier League at least, but many factors have caused crippling inconsistencies. Here is how I think Carrick solved it quickly.
Simplification = Balance
Under Ruben Amorim, Manchester United players tried to fit into the rigid system of a manager who refused to give up his methods, even when that led to defeats. Amorim would rather lose matches his way than change his approach to secure a win.
Michael Carrick struck balance within the Manchester United squad by simplifying what the players needed to do, down to the smallest details.
Defenders maintain an organized deep block when under pressure. Midfielders use quick passing to escape presses, while Carrick uses Patrick Dorgu as an extra runner instead of stretching the Danish full-back, as Amorim did. Michael Carrick has also relied on the pace of Mbeumo, Dorgu, and Amad to press opponents, while he uses Mainoo in midfield to reduce possession losses under pressure.
Carrick has simply clarified the roles of his best players and placed them in their strongest positions. Instead of focusing on playing in a specific way, United now find the best solution for each situation, whether through long balls, switches of play, focused pressing, or quick passing.
United fans will hope Carrick continues to help Manchester United rediscover their form as they push to qualify for the UEFA Champions League this season.
