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Manchester United's interim reign under Michael Carrick got of to the perfect start with a convincing victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford
Michael Carrick after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick is reportedly a huge admirer of one of his former players. (Image: Copa/Getty Images)
How Michael Carrick moved away from Ruben Amorim's ideas and what Manchester United's senior players are now doing
Michael Carrick immediately abandoned Ruben Amorim’s preferred three-at-the-back formation in favour of a more traditional four-man defence. This tactical pivot allowed the players to return to a system they appeared to find far more intuitive and comfortable during the heat of the derby.
The interim manager opted to significantly shorten the length of training sessions to ensure the squad remained physically and mentally fresh. He believed that Amorim's gruelling and overly long tactical drills had left the players feeling fatigued and bogged down by too much information.
In a clever psychological move, Carrick intentionally delayed the team bus's arrival at the stadium to minimise the time players spent dwelling on pre-match nerves. This ensured the squad moved directly from the bus to the warm-up, maintaining a sense of high energy and momentum.
Carrick masterminded the victory over Manchester City by implementing a disciplined mid-block rather than sticking to Amorim’s aggressive and often exhausting high press. By inviting City forward, United were able to exploit the space behind their rivals with clinical, rapid counter-attacks.
The dressing room has seen a significant shift towards a "TLC" approach, with Carrick focusing on rebuilding the confidence of stars who felt frozen out by the previous regime.
Senior players like Bruno Fernandes have taken a more proactive role in "policing" the dressing room to maintain high standards. These veteran figures are reportedly working to ensure that the younger or more temperamental squad members remain focused and disciplined.
The atmosphere behind the scenes has transformed from one of tension and confusion to a much more relaxed and unified environment. By stripping away Amorim’s rigid "rule book," Carrick has encouraged the players to take more individual responsibility for their own preparation.
Senior professionals are now dealing with their team-mates by offering private mentorship and encouragement rather than public criticism. This supportive approach from the club's leaders has helped to reintegrate disgruntled players who had become disillusioned under Amorim’s strict methods.
Carrick simplified the tactical instructions provided to the squad, moving away from the complex positional demands of his predecessor. This clarity of purpose meant that every player understood their specific role, leading to a much more cohesive team performance against City.
The decision to scrap the exhaustive, hour-long tactical meetings on matchdays was a key part of Carrick’s plan to keep the players’ minds sharp. He felt that providing fewer, more impactful instructions was more effective than the information overload favoured by Amorim.
There is a growing sense of collective ownership among the players, with senior figures helping to bridge the gap between the coaching staff and the squad. This collaborative spirit has helped to heal the fractures that had appeared during the final weeks of the previous manager's tenure.
Ultimately, Carrick’s masterclass was built on a foundation of emotional intelligence and a deep understanding of the club’s traditional values. By restoring a sense of familiarity and calm, he empowered his senior players to lead the team to one of their most significant results of the season.