EXCLUSIVE The Michael Carrick era, albeit a short-term one, gets underway on Saturday against Manchester City and three players set to be key in his system have been pinpointed
10:46, 15 Jan 2026Updated 10:51, 15 Jan 2026
Michael Carrick
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The Michael Carrick era at Manchester United is about to begin(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick’s start in his interim post at Manchester United couldn’t begin any harder, with Manchester City first up in the derby before a trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal the following week.
But it’s exactly what Carrick signed up for and the former United midfielder clearly has belief in his ability and the players he has inherited to take on a tough fixture run and guide the Red Devils back towards Champions League qualification.
It’s unlikely that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co. will dip their hands into their pockets in the January window, meaning Carrick will have to make his system work with the current tools at his disposal.
Head Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on January 14, 2026 in Manchester, England
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The players crucial to Michael Carrick's system have been pinpointed(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star Sport, via betting site Betfree, former United star Clayton Blackmore pinpointed three players who he feels will be crucial for Carrick over the second half of the season.
“For me it’s [Bryan] Mbeumo for sure,” he said. “He was playing so well before he left for AFCON and Carrick can continue to get the best out of him to make us offensively better and scoring more goals.
“Casemiro brings experience in midfield as the holding midfielder and can really give a lot to the team in this position to move the ball forward and protect the defence.
Clayton Blackmore
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Clayton Blackmore spent 12 years in the first team at Manchester United(Image: Mirrorpix)
“[Harry] Maguire as well in a four at the back can do a good job. Strong in the air, back to basics for Man Utd with a solid back four to work well as a unit.”
Blackmore also touched on Kobbie Mainoo, who found himself out of Ruben Amorim’s plans after making himself one of the first names on the team sheet when he broke through into the first team under Erik ten Hag.
Mainoo is yet to start in the Premier League this season but was named in the starting line-up in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton. The 20-year-old is expected to play a big part in Carrick’s system as he looks to resurrect his United career after Amorim put his fire out.
Kobbie Mainoo reacts
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Kobbie Mainoo is looking to rebuild his United career under Michael Carrick(Image: Getty Images)
However, Blackmore stated that it’s on Mainoo to do more out of possession if he is to win his place back.
The former Wales international knows better than anyone about what it takes to make it at Old Trafford after coming through the academy. After stepping into the first-team, he went on to make 245 appearances across 12 years.
“Well, I mean, it's tough.” Blackmore continued. “He's gone through a lot, he's played for England, he's burst onto the scene. But I watch him a lot. For me he doesn't run enough.
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“For a midfielder, he needs to run with purpose. Instead he jogs around a lot. On the ball, he's really good. So he has to do more.”