Michael Carrick has already made some big changes at Manchester United, who have received a major boost regarding a potential Scott McTominay reunion
Michael Carrick of Manchester United leaves the pitch during his final match for the club during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Watford at Old Trafford
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick may have just received an opening in the bid to bring Scott McTominay back to Old Trafford(Image: John Peters, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Interim Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is striving to maintain his impressive start at the helm. His side are set to face Tottenham in Saturday's early Premier League match, aiming for a fourth consecutive win under the club legend.
Whatever strategies Carrick has implemented at his former ground are proving effective. Despite his temporary status, the 44-year-old hasn't hesitated to make bold changes in an effort to restore United's dominance in English football.
United had a subdued January transfer window, with departures being the only notable activity. This could suggest there will be a larger budget for summer transfers, by which time Carrick may be making the decisions on a more permanent basis.
Scott McTominay is one player rumoured to be on his way to Old Trafford as speculation of a reunion grows. The latest news from Naples could potentially aid United's pursuit as provides the most recent updates from the Theatre of Dreams.
Napoli's McTominay sale update
Recent instances of players returning to Old Trafford after lengthy absences have not worked out favourably. High-profile moves to bring stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba back to the club ultimately fell short of expectations.
However, many supporters will be hoping McTominay could defy that pattern should United return for their academy product in the future. Recent remarks from Napoli's global business development officer, Leonardo Giammarioli, suggest the transfer could be completed for the appropriate fee.
"Yeah, of course I'm worried," he told talkSPORT when asked about the possibility of McTominay departing if a suitable bid arrives. "But ultimately, especially Scott, who's a very nice guy, we're happy if he gets to the next level in a couple of years. Maybe not now, maybe not next year, but he deserves it.
Michael Carrick, Victor Lindelof and Scott McTominay of Manchester United in action during a first team training session as part of their pre-season tour of the USA at UCLA
Carrick and McTominay were briefly team-mates at United(Image: John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)
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"Look at Stuttgart, they wanted to keep Nick Woltemade [before he joined Newcastle last summer], but when such an offer comes in, there's not much you can do, when the player wants to go and money is important."
It's widely appreciated Napoli secured themselves an excellent deal after bringing in the Scotland midfielder for approximately £25million during the summer of 2024. Many argued at the time that the player was undervalued, and then-manager Erik ten Hag even admitted he was reluctant to part ways.
Following a Serie A title triumph and a Player of the Year accolade, McTominay has become one of the most prized assets in Italy's top tier. Once more, United would face paying a premium for a player they may regret offloading, but the necessity to replace the departing Casemiro - and potentially Bruno Fernandes as well - could make him a logical summer acquisition.
Carrick's major rule change
Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick with his arms outstretched
Carrick has overhauled a long-standing rule at Old Trafford(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
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One aspect that has become evident during the early stages of Carrick's tenure is his willingness to challenge established norms. This applies equally to long-standing United customs as it does to routine tactical adjustments.
The former England international has already abandoned Ruben Amorim's three-at-the-back system in favour of a more conventional setup. He has also recalled Kobbie Mainoo from the sidelines and enjoyed success by deploying left-back Patrick Dorgu in a right-wing position.
However, it has now come to light that Carrick has scrapped the practice, employed by both Amorim and Ten Hag, of requiring players to train the day following matches, per the Sun. Both former managers favoured the approach of having the squad attend recovery sessions the day after fixtures - but that has changed.
Instead, Carrick has revised the schedule so that United's players complete their recovery sessions two days after competing. This represents yet another indication of Carrick's more considerate approach, providing his squad with a less demanding working environment, at least in certain respects.