Manchester United wrapped up the January transfer window without adding a single player to Michael Carrick’s squad. It sees Ineos take a risk that could prove costly in the team’s bid to qualify for the prestigious Champions League.
Everything is rosy at Manchester United right now. Michael Carrick has won his first three matches since returning to Old Trafford as head coach, against three teams in the top half of the table, and the Red Devils are sitting in the top four.
It shows how quickly things can change in football. Under Ruben Amorim, it seems less likely that United would be in contention for a Champions League spot after missing out on so many opportunities to climb into the top four over the festive period.
Amorim was consequently sent his marching orders at the beginning of January, but now United have been given a new lease of life under Carrick.
Ruben Amorim deserves ___ % credit for Michael Carrick’s BRILLIANT start at Man Utd
Fill in the blank. Did Amorim lay the foundation for success at Old Trafford?
Michael Carrick and Ruben Amorim as Man Utd managers split image
Michael Carrick and Ruben Amorim as Man Utd managers
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
There are 14 games left to play in the Premier League, and the race for the Champions League spots is heating up, with Liverpool and Chelsea both enjoying wins over the weekend.
Securing Champions League qualification is Carrick’s ultimate objective. It would help him create a case to warrant the head coach role at United beyond this season.
Casemiro applauds the Stretford End
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Man Utd need Casemiro to stay fit
The first takeaway I took from United deciding not to sign any players in January is that United fans will be hoping Casemiro can stay fit for the remainder of the season.
More United News
Casemiro has confirmed he will leave United at the end of the season, with his focus on helping the team qualify for the Champions League because that would be the best way to prepare for the World Cup in the summer.
United’s lack of midfield options is a cause for concern because it’s one injury away from a potential disaster.
Manuel Ugarte’s poor display in United’s 3-2 win over Fulham gave everyone an example of why the Red Devils would be in bother if they had to endure a period without Casemiro this season.
Luckily, Carrick doesn’t need to worry about fixture congestion or managing Casemiro’s minutes because United are not competing in Europe.
Casemiro has been partnered by Kobbie Mainoo in midfield since Carrick returned to the club, even though the United academy graduate had been overlooked by Amorim throughout the season. The 20-year-old has quickly proven to be the ideal partner for the experienced Brazilian in the midfield of the pitch, rubbishing a narrative that questioned his ability off the ball in midfield.
Though the decision not to sign a stop-gap midfield option could prove to be Ineos’ most costly risk yet, if it means United miss out on one of the Champions League spots.
The last thing United want is to be relying on Ugarte in midfield because his presence usually brings chaos to the game.
Man Utd chose NOT to make any signings mid-season… Are you worried this is a mistake?
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Casemiro stats this season
If Casemiro continues at his current rate, he will leave United after a strong final season.
The 33-year-old has been a key presence in United’s midfield, making 23 appearances thus far.
Casemiro has a decent goals record, too, scoring five times and registering two assists.
His latest assist came for Matheus Cunha in the win over Fulham.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox