When news surfaced about Ruben Amorim’s departure from Manchester United, a tormented fan base was forced to rationalise another concerning decision from a routinely criticised sporting department.
In Michael Carrick, the promise of interim security was anything but assured; however, the former midfielder would have the guaranteed support of an adoring audience.
Fast forward two weeks, and the 20-time English champions look like they have been blessed by a divine power, brushing aside the Premier League’s top two sides with a swagger of old.
If the 2-0 scoreline against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City was kind to the Spanish tactician, the 3-2 result against Arsenal in London epitomised so many of the legendary sides under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Sure, clean sheets are a superb addition to any performance. Still, there’s an awful lot to be admired about the mentality of a team that will fight until the final whistle and ensure they score one more than you.
Having finally overcome what felt like a weekly curse, Carrick’s Reds have earned their position in the Champions League places with the reward of back-to-back Old Trafford outings to come.
But as we embrace the February schedule and beyond, supporters, thrilled as they are, are trying to understand how such a change can occur so quickly at M16.
A new-look coaching department has perfected the basics at Manchester United
It may seem too simple an observation when attempting to explain what is unfolding at the club, but the modern complexities in football have transformed the beautiful game.
If you have not already done so, I would advise that you sit and digest the work of Jonathan Wilson and his analysis in the acclaimed Inverting the Pyramid.
What began in Cambridge in the late 19th century has transformed into various unconventional approaches and a reimagination of the expectations set on various positions.
Much like his stylistic approach during a decorated career, Carrick has ensured that his players focus on the basics first, and reinforced the probability that natural flair and tenacity will play their part afterwards.
However, you must understand he is not reinventing an Old Trafford wheel by himself. Instead, a dedicated coaching team, spearheaded by Steve Holland, is meticulously planning every move.
For those unaware, Holland is best known for his time with the England National team, serving as Gareth Southgate’s right-hand man for eight years.
The 55-year-old has cultivated a reputation as a tactical professor, bolstered by time spent at Chelsea and Yokohama Marinos with a dedicated and demanding approach to individual and team sessions.
We’re aware that Carrick enjoyed great attacking success during his years at Middlesbrough – but an apparent unwillingness or an inability to adapt to defensive requirements became a sore topic amongst the fan base.
Perhaps, working with Jonny Evans, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, Craig Mawson, and Holland, we are seeing the fruits of a collective mentality on display.
So often we see one man held high above the rest, when in reality, the collective work behind the scenes is regularly disregarded.
| 90-minute statistics via sofascore.com | vs Manchester City (home) | vs Arsenal (away) |
| Possession | 32% | 44% |
| Passes | 302 | 364 |
| Total shots | 11 | 10 |
| Big chances | 6 | 2 |
| Expected goals against (xGA) | 045 | 1.19 |
When attempting to digest the magnitude of change from a traumatic time under Amorim to what we see today, it’s almost impossible to imagine we are discussing the same squad of players.
I refuse to rewrite history, and although the former Sporting chief had his flaws, Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada have a lot to answer for what occurred during his tenure.
The pair insisted on installing a systematic coach midseason, while providing empty promises about the nature of their plans to support him.
Some outlets may choose to brush this under the carpet in an attempt to build Carrick up before swiping at his first taste of misfortune, but that is not us, and I will not entertain that.
Our sources continue to stress that the pair have not taken further steps towards solidifying a permanent appointment, with the idea of obtaining a best-in-class recruit in the summer routinely revisited.
That said, if Michael and his team maintain their path towards domestic growth, ultimately achieving Champions League football, it would take a brave executive to initiate change.
Some will choose to highlight opposition underperformance over promising displays because god willing, individual errors could never be attributed to relentless pressure.
Nonetheless, this United team have restored a sense of pride in the North West, and it is the walking, talking definition of night and day.
No mystique or secret tactical ploy is unfolding; we are simply witnessing a man who understands the basics of the game deliver a masterclass in footballing fundamentals.
Multiple players have stated that this new-look team have not introduced anything revolutionary, and while content creators will attempt to formulate an alternative point of view, it’s best advised to sit back and enjoy.
From the passionate celebrations of Matheus Cunha to the attacking bravado of Patrick Dorgu and the re-emergence of Kobbie Mainoo, this is the Manchester United we know and love.
Long may it continue!
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our socials – photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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