Michael Carrick has reversed another one of Ruben Amorim's rules as Manchester United's interim boss continues sweeping changes at Old Trafford
Patrick Austen-Hardy Senior Sports Journalist and Neil Docking
14:34, 05 Feb 2026
Michael Carrick
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(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag's policy of forcing Manchester United players to train the day after matches has been scrapped by Michael Carrick.
The former England midfielder is experiencing a flawless beginning to his tenure as United's interim boss. His second temporary stint has kicked off with a commanding 2-0 home victory over Manchester City, a thrilling 3-2 success away at Arsenal and a last-gasp triumph against Fulham.
Carrick, 44, has implemented numerous changes since taking charge until the end of the season. He has already dismantled Amorim's rigid 3-4-3 system and restored United academy product Kobbie Mainoo to the starting lineup. However, there are several other regulations Amorim established that are now being overturned.
Head Coach Ruben Amorim of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on October 17, 2025 in Manchester, England
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Ruben Amorim's training rule has been scrapped at Manchester United(Image: Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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One aspect both Amorim and Ten Hag shared was their determination to hold training sessions the day following matches. Both former United managers were resolute that players who featured in a game must attend the training facility for a recovery workout.
This approach has been abandoned by Carrick, who has instead approved designated rest days within 24 hours of a fixture. The recovery sessions have been shifted to two days following the final whistle of a match, reports the Mirror.
It represents another instance of Carrick dismantling Amorim's previous methods and implementing his own principles and philosophies.
Despite being in position for barely a month, he has already overturned five restrictions the former Sporting Lisbon chief had put in place.
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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Michael Carrick has lifted the mood at Manchester United(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Amorim banned players from taking holidays during international breaks, prohibited food from being brought into the dressing room and even stopped his own coaching staff from giving United stars complex tactical instructions.
Carrick has also shortened training sessions - whilst ramping up the intensity of drills - and changed the timing of when his squad arrives for fixtures. It's fair to say his modifications are already paying dividends.
United's dramatic victory over Fulham propelled them into the top four. They sit one point clear of Chelsea and are just six points behind second-placed Manchester City.
Carrick's team welcome Tottenham to Old Trafford this weekend before making the trip to face West Ham on Tuesday February 10. With United eliminated from all cup competitions and absent from Europe, Carrick has a clear route for a top-four challenge.
Head Coach Ruben Amorim of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on December 24, 2025 in Manchester, England
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Ruben Amorim's sacking has brought good times back to Manchester United(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Currently, he's not anticipated to be given the role permanently. Nevertheless, if he continues stringing together wins, it will become increasingly difficult not to offer him the position.
Carrick's former team-mate Ben Foster even reckons there's a outside chance he could be appointed as United's next permanent manager come the season's end. The ex-goalkeeper, speaking on his Fozcast podcast, said: "The weight of the badge is phenomenal for Manchester United, but then a new manager comes in, somebody that they know, somebody that they trust and they get on with as a friend.
"That's the kind of the situation that they're in at the minute with Carrick, it's all friendly. He's only the interim and it's not full time. I would worry that if it goes full time, then that changes that dynamic a little bit.
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"We've seen it before with plenty of teams, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and it changes the dynamic a little bit. But he's so far beaten Man City and Arsenal. What a start and he's got 15 games left for Manchester United now. If he wins ten of those 15 games, you've got to give him the job."