Michael Carrick is set to change things up at Manchester United after being appointed as boss until the end of the season and it could impact the likes of Bruno Fernandes
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick is in charge at Man United until the end of the season(Image: PA)
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Michael Carrick is set to move away from Ruben Amorim's preferred back three to play a back four, after being appointed Manchester United's interim head coach.
The ex-United midfielder has agreed a deal with United's hierarchy and been chosen over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to take the role until the end of the season. Carrick has brought former England assistant manager Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion in to be part of his staff.
Face-to-face talks with United chiefs last Thursday saw Carrick impress with his vision for the side. That includes the ex-England international's 4-2-3-1 system.
With Carrick now placed in charge of the weekend's Manchester derby and the rest of the season, we take a look at the possible winners and losers from his appointment.
Winners
Bruno Fernandes has starred for United no matter what has been asked of him, but will undoubtedly be pleased to be able to move into a more advanced position. The Portuguese midfielder will be the primary choice as Carrick's No. 10 and will offer creativity in order to unlock a front three.
Bruno Fernandes and Michael Carrick
Bruno Fernandes will be a key player in Michael Carrick's tenure at Man United(Image: 2020 Getty Images)
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Kobbie Mainoo may find more opportunities arriving in the centre of the pitch with Fernandes moved up the field. It leaves a vacancy in the centre of the pitch alongside Casemiro.
Diogo Dalot may not have enjoyed a stellar period across a number of positions, but a switch to a back four will see a return to a more natural full-back position. The same will be true for Noussair Mazraoui, whose versatility has been useful.
Losers
Patrick Dorgu may find opportunities more difficult to come by. The Dane was signed as a wing-back last January and will have some work to do to cement his place on the left ahead of Luke Shaw.
Patrick Dorgu celebrates after scoring the opening goal
Patrick Dorgu's position at Man United(Image: )
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Dorgu has been utilised in the front line of late, but could find opportunities dry up once Bryan Mbeumo and Amad return from AFCON.
Mason Mount's position will be more uncertain in Carrick's formation. The ex-Chelsea star is not supremely suited to being a winger and could find himself in direct competition with Fernandes, not a promising place for many, unless he takes a deeper role.
United's central defenders will be left fighting for fewer positions. Shaw may be safe on the left, but the impressive Ayden Heaven may now find minutes more difficult to come by as a junior member of the side.
Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt may also have concerns about their pace highlighted in the new shape.
Amad's position becomes uncertain under Carrick. The Ivory Coast star rarely let Amorim down, but the Portuguese coach often squeezed the player into the side as a wing-back.
The ex-Sunderland loanee is good enough to challenge further up the field but faces the difficult challenge of competing with Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo.
Matheus Cunha will remain the favourite to start on the left wing but may need a period of adjustment from playing on the left side under Amorim. The Brazilian has struggled out wide in recent matches and will probably prefer a narrower role if it can be facilitated.