Michael Carrick has abandoned Ruben Amorim's tactical blueprint for Bryan Mbeumo after succeeding the sacked Manchester United manager. The former midfielder took charge on an interim basis until the end of the season earlier this month. Carrick has enjoyed a flying start, securing victories in both his opening fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal. Summer signing Mbeumo has been among his standout performers.
The Cameroonian found the net against both City and the Gunners, bringing his tally to nine goals across all competitions since joining from Premier League side Brentford. While his form has remained fairly consistent since Carrick's appointment, the Middlesbrough manager is reportedly adopting a markedly different tactical approach with the attacker. According to ESPN, previous boss Amorim wanted to exploit Mbeumo's adaptability by deploying him across various attacking positions. However, Carrick prefers the forward operating centrally while having some freedom to drift.
Amad and Patrick Dorgu are positioned to support him on the wings, with Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings in midfield. Those plans may require adjustment with Dorgu facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining an injury in the Arsenal clash.
When questioned earlier this month about what has changed under Carrick, Mbeumo responded: "A bit of everything. Training is different, mentality is different. We know we only have one aim and one way to go, so we have to do everything to do it.
"Every manager has his own character and thinks differently and the manager obviously knows the club very well because he's a legend here as a player, everyone wants to try and do their best as well."
Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit has recently heaped praise on Mbeumo and his displays. He remarked: "I saw exactly what I thought about this player against Arsenal, it's Mbeumo. I think in terms of movement, he's very intelligent.
"He's got this flair in front of the goal. He's very good in terms of assists as well. I love his work rate. I love his behaviour on the pitch, technically, mentally as well. But more importantly, I like his movement, the link with his players all the time.
"He brings something different up front. He's not that physical, but in the meantime, he puts everything he has on the pitch. But I love him because he's very intelligent.
"When I saw Manchester United buy him in the last transfer market, I thought, this is a good bargain."
Mbeumo will try to extend his superb recent displays this coming weekend as United maintain their charge for a top-four berth. The Red Devils welcome Fulham to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.