Manchester United have had a number of new managers in recent years – and all have had different ideas about the rules they'd like to implement
Michael Carrick puts his hands together
Michael Carrick has had an immediate impact on Manchester United's squad(Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United's squad have had to adhere to a whole host of new rules in the last few years. Michael Carrick is the latest man to assume the hotseat at Old Trafford – and like those before him – he's brought a new set of expectations to the club.
The United legend introduced one change upon his return to Old Trafford following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim after 14 months in charge. It was after last week's derby victory against Manchester City that the Daily Mail reported that Carrick, 44, has made training sessions at Carrington shorter but increased its intensity in order to improve United's results.
The 44-year-old's decision to alter the training is understood to have garnered a positive reaction from the players. Alongside that change, training sessions have also included an increased focus on one-to-one work with the first-team players.
Similar to his successor, Amorim also attempted to stamp his mark on the club with three core principles he set during his reign at Old Trafford. The 40-year-old firstly banned players from using the international breaks as opportunities to go on holiday following the criticism Marcus Rashford and Casemiro received for jetting off to the United States last year.
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Amorim also opted to ban food in the dressing room on matchdays, while forbidding his coaching staff from giving the players complicated tactical instructions. The Portuguese boss said that if he was unable to deliver a strategic idea in one sentence, it shouldn't be relayed to his squad until it can be simplified.
Ruben Amorim looking ahead
Ruben Amorim 'banned' three things during his time at Old Trafford(Image: Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
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Known for his meticulous approach, it was Erik ten Hag that listed five key rules for his squad to follow. The Dutchman, who was sacked by United in October 2024, insisted he would drop any player who turned up late for training or team meetings.
It was that rule that Rashford fell foul of in late December 2022 after the England star admitted he was dropped to the bench in a match against Wolves because he overslept and missed a team meeting.
Ten Hag also informed his players that no alcohol should be consumed during match weeks, while demanding the same chefs preparing his squad's meals, rather than personal catering staff employed by players to do so.
Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford in conversation with his former manager Erik ten Hag
Erik ten Hag punished Marcus Rashford for breaking one of his key rules(Image: Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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Further detail on his squad's physical state meant each player had a custom diet plan made for them while having their Body Mass Index (BMI) checked every month to ensure they remain in peak shape.
To ensure chaos remains at a minimum when it comes to internal issues, Ten Hag instructed his players to go directly to him if they had an issue, instead of going to their agents.
With United visiting league leaders Arsenal on Sunday, it's the perfect opportunity for Carrick's side to once again demonstrate the impact the former midfielder has had in rejuvenating them.