- Michael Carrick prioritising results over style
- Carries interim persona with media
- Permanent role would ’embolden’ 44 year-old
The new manager bounce for Manchester United under Michael Carrick saw the team win back-to-back games against Manchester City and Arsenal in January. Since then, the team have been steadily getting on, churning out results.
The expectations by INEOS also increased, who told the 44-year-old to go and get Champions League football for next season. That is the bar by which he has landed himself in the Old Trafford hotseat. Now, the club are just two points away from returning to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 2023/24.
However, if there was one criticism aimed at Carrick, it would be that the style of football has progressively worsened as his interim spell has gone on. Now, it has been hinted that there is a validated reason for this.
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“I’m Told”: Mitten on Carrick Ball
On a recent episode of Talk of the Devils, veteran journalist Andy Mitten shared a revealing insight into Michael Carrick’s tenure at Manchester United. Mitten clarified that the current tactical setup is a matter of pragmatism rather than exactly how the interim boss wants to play.
“This isn’t Michael Carrick’s team yet,” Mitten explained, noting that the head coach has had to shelve his ideas of playing style to prioritise results. He added: “I’m told he’s not even playing the type of football he wants to play.” Instead, Carrick has identified and worked on the squad’s existing strengths, which were hidden under Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 setup.
Mitten also highlighted Carrick’s measured public persona, suggesting he deliberately maintains the demeanour of an interim manager. However, if he were to be appointed as the permanent head coach, there would be a different approach to management. The TOTD co-host envisioned that United fans would see a “confident and emboldened” Carrick if he were to get the permanent job.
Carrick Has Healed, Not Changed Squad
Carrick’s refusal to impose a rigid system has healed a squad still feeling the trauma of the stubborn Amorim era. This laissez-faire approach has already had an effect on morale and drawn a bigger focus on improving existing players. As Carl Anka pointed out on the podcast, Kobbie Mainoo is a prime example. Under Carrick’s guidance, Mainoo has blossomed into a box-to-box midfielder who can truly “do a bit of everything”. By restoring the Manchester United identity, Carrick has delivered the goods whilst avoiding playing all of his cards this season.
Fans have much to look forward to. At Middlesbrough, Carrick’s true vision involved build-up play using an inverted right-back as a third centre-back. This released the left-back to advance in midfield. It inadvertently created central overloads that United fans are yet to see in full, promising something inventive if he is appointed as permanent boss.
READ MORE: Man Utd’s Mason Mount highlights Michael Carrick’s man management
