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Carrick has been tasked with managing Manchester United for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. |
Manchester United currently has no shortage of problems, but also no shortage of data to correct them. After prolonged turmoil, the demands placed on Carrick are not tactical revolution, and certainly not flamboyant, showy football.
What he needs to do is rebuild the structure, restore cohesion to a team that has lost its rhythm in both defense and attack. From what Carrick has shown during his short time managing the team and his time at Middlesbrough, one can envision a Manchester United that plays more neatly, pragmatically, and with less flamboyance.
Neat structure, clear state transitions.
Carrick's first priority after taking over will almost certainly be stabilizing the defensive system. A 4-2-3-1 formation with a moderately low defensive line and short spacing between lines is the most sensible option given Manchester United's current personnel.
This isn't a new system, but it's a sufficiently secure foundation to mitigate the damaging gaps that have become so prevalent in recent times.
When in possession, the structure will flexibly switch to a 3-2-5. One full-back pushes forward, usually on the left wing, while the opposite winger tucks in to create a three-man defense.
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MU is in disarray. |
This model helps MU ensure sufficient defensive players for transitions while also having enough players in the attacking line to maintain pressure. Noussair Mazraoui is a suitable player to play as an inside full-back due to his ball control and situational awareness. Another option is to move Lisandro Martinez to the left wing, allowing the right wing to push further forward.
In midfield, the role of a defensive midfielder positioned just above the back line is crucial. Carrick understands the value of this position very well, as he himself was the "pivot" during Manchester United's most stable period.
The problem is that the current squad lacks many reliable players capable of escaping pressing and distributing the ball in the early stages. This forces Carrick to simplify his demands, prioritizing safety over creativity.
Attacks are based on movement, not improvisation.
If defense is the framework, then attack under Carrick is likely built on purposeful movement. The center forward will frequently drop deep, drawing the opposing center-back with him and creating space behind. This is a familiar style of play, suitable for the non-traditional "number 9" strikers that MU currently possesses.
That space is the perfect stage for Bruno Fernandes. In his attacking midfield role, Bruno no longer has to drop deep to orchestrate play, but is encouraged to surge forward, penetrate the penalty area, and utilize his goal-scoring instincts. When the system runs smoothly, Bruno will be the link between the different parts of the game, rather than a "firefighter" to fix every problem.
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Too many problems are emerging at MU right now. |
On the flanks, Carrick may have to accept personnel limitations. MU almost completely lacks pure wing-backs. Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo are both types who prefer to drift inwards, playing in the half-space rather than standing right on the touchline.
Therefore, width in attack will depend heavily on the attacking full-backs. One winger will hold the flank, while the other will tuck inwards to create a numerical advantage in midfield, helping the team maintain a 3-2-5 formation when pressing.
The inevitable consequence is that the workload for full-backs will be immense. They not only have to advance the ball and cross it, but also have to be able to retreat promptly when they lose possession. This is a matter of physical fitness and positional discipline, something Carrick could improve by shortening the team's formation, instead of requiring widespread pressing.
The limitations cannot be hidden.
Although Carrick's organizational methods bring a sense of order, Manchester United's core problems cannot disappear after just a few training sessions. The midfield remains the biggest concern. Without a midfielder calm enough to control the tempo and possessing the composure to dictate the pace, MU will struggle to build fluid play against opponents who press high.
Furthermore, the lack of true wing-backs makes attacking options easily predictable. When opponents lock down the midfield and accept MU's crosses, effectiveness will depend heavily on the quality of the crosses and aerial ability in the penalty area, an area where the "Red Devils" are not particularly strong.
However, it's important to emphasize that Carrick didn't come to create perfect football. His task, if given the authority, would be to pull MU out of its current state of disarray.
A team with organized defense, purposeful attack, and fewer silly mistakes would be a step forward from the current situation. In that context, Carrick is not a promise for the distant future, but a solution for MU to regain its footing before thinking about bigger ambitions.
Source: https://znews.vn/carrick-se-to-chuc-mu-ra-sao-post1618869.html
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