Man United expert reveals one game-changing Michael Carrick decision that’s ‘gone under the radar’
Michael Carrick has already made a strong case for becoming the next permanent Man United manager after a perfect start to life at Old Trafford.
Carrick’s side beat Man City 2-0 to claim bragging rights in the Manchester Derby, but the result could have been far more comfortable after a dominant display.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the interim manager got the better of Pep Guardiola with a number of tactical tweaks.
The first and most impactful of those changes was a renewed focus on defensive solidity, spearheaded by Harry Maguire at the heart of the back four.
United restricted Guardiola’s side to just one shot on target, while Erling Haaland was completely nullified and touched the ball just 14 times in 80 minutes.
Michael Carrick outsmarts Pep Guardiola in Manchester Derby
Carrick’s plan made a mockery of Ruben Amorim, who has insisted on his three-at-the-back formation with numerous square pegs placed in round holes.
However, while the decision to switch to a back four and use the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Maguire in their usual positions may seem simple, it was anything but.
“I was extremely impressed by Michael Carrick,” Brown told Football Insider.
“A lot has been spoken about this Man United squad, their attitudes, their consistency, and how Carrick appears already to have changed that.
“But I think the biggest change which has gone under the radar is the decision to use a back four.
“Yes, they changed the system under Darren Fletcher for those games, but Carrick has had time to implement his ideas and views on how it should be managed.
“There was a clear focus on defending properly, winning duels, and building from that solid foundation.
“Bryan Mbeumo’s goal epitomised that, it was Harry Maguire getting up with a powerful header to clear a City free kick which set them on their way to go and score.
“That’s something that was massively lacking under Amorim, nobody wanted to take charge and there was no focus on making sure they were solid at the back.
“If you can’t defend, you can’t win games. They did that fantastically and Guardiola couldn’t find a way around it. It sounds basic, but it’s so important.
“It’s okay saying it now, it sounds easy, but Carrick has had to come in and make it happen and he’s done that, it was a fantastic start.
“He’s got to go again when they play Arsenal, which will be a totally different game, but as far as first impressions go you can’t get much better than that.”
Could Carrick land the permanent Man United job?
Football Insider revealed on 18 January that Carrick could land the permanent Man United job as his position as interim manager puts him in the box seat.
Should he continue to impress between now and the end of the season, there is every chance he could be offered the full-time role, with the fans on his side.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Carrick will force Man United into a difficult decision as they may have to make a U-turn on their plans.
However, there is also a feeling that United would ideally want to appoint an “elite” manager amid links to the likes of Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann.
Football Insider revealed on 11 January that Man United are lining up a “top-class” manager to become their next permanent boss and are drawing up a shortlist.
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