Michael Carrick has immediately introduced a new rule at Manchester United, placing greater emphasis on individual work with specific players in training. The former Reds midfielder took over from caretaker Darren Fletcher and oversaw a 2–0 Manchester derby win over Manchester City in his first game in charge at the weekend
After that game, his message was plain and simple: "It’s really important we don’t get carried away," said Carrick. "It’s one game. That level of performance needs to be a version of normal." Determined to take the club back to its best days, Carrick is said to have made it clear from the first session that training would now be shorter but more intense, according to the Daily Mail.
The response from the players is said to have been positive, and it was 'immediately clear' from the first session that there was a different energy on the pitch. The squad were introduced to the new coaching team, made up of Steve Holland - who arrived as Carrick's No.2 - along with Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans as first‑team coaches.
There is said to be a strong blend of skill sets and personalities within the staff, and a 'positive dynamic' already appears to be forming. Training has also placed greater emphasis on individual work with specific players, and the squad are thought to be impressed by the level of detail involved.
Lisandro Martinez has already made it clear he wants to see more of Carrick after being impressed early on. "Different mentality, different guy. So different," he said.
"He sent us the that message that he played here for a long, long time. He won everything. He is a big legend. He wants to help the club and I think we were in a tough situation, and today was the best moment to change that.
"When you have a coach like Michael Carrick, who really knows, who really can share with you the energy of the club and what it means, it's so different. He was quiet (in training). He was smiling. He was really confident – and that helps a lot."
However, senior players are said to have taken action and urged the younger players not to let it affect them.
Looking ahead to their next test, United are in Premier League action once again against title-chasing Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (January 25, 4:30pm).