Michael Carrick has already introduced some dramatic new culture changes since taking over the reins at Manchester United until the end of the season
Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick with his arms outstretched
Michael Carrick has implemented several changes already at Manchester United(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
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Michael Carrick’s Manchester United revolution has seen him transform the club on and off the pitch after just three weeks in charge.
The legendary former United midfielder was appointed as interim head coach until the end of the season in January. He took over from the recently sacked Ruben Amorim, whose miserable 14 months in Manchester came to an end after disagreements with the club hierarchy over tactics and transfer activity.
Since then, the 44-year-old has claimed three victories from three matches, restoring the good feeling at United and playing football in line with the club’s ‘DNA’. A thumping 2-0 win in the Manchester Derby was followed by a 3-2 victory away at league leaders Arsenal, before clinching a late winner against Fulham last weekend.
Now, the Manchester Evening News examines how Carrick has been able to affect results so early on in his tenure, by taking a look at the rule changes he has made from Amorim’s rollercoaster tenure.
Training the Day After Matches
Both Amorim and his predecessor Erik ten Hag required players who featured in games to report to the training facility the very next day for recovery work. Carrick has ditched this rule, instead approving designated rest days within 24 hours of a fixture. Recovery sessions have now been pushed back to take place two days after the final whistle.
Tactical System & Selection
Amorim implemented a rigid 3-4-3 system and refused to deviate from his philosophy, even when his players were better suited to a more traditional system. He moved certain players, like academy product Kobbie Mainoo, out of the starting XI.
But a key part of Carrick’s revolution has been abandoning the 3-4-3 formation and returning to a more United-like 4-2-3-1 with the use of devastatingly fast wing play. He has also restored fan-favourite Mainoo to the starting line-up.
Ruben Amorim and players during a training session
Training was very different under Ruben Amorim(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media, Getty Images)
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Dressing Room Food Ban
Amorim banned food from being brought into the dressing room after stressing the importance of improving player fitness levels, perhaps sacrificing morale in the process. Carrick is believed to be dismantling that rule by turning the dressing room into a safe haven for players, where they can feel appreciated.
He has introduced a new ethos that players are not to leave the dressing room until they feel they have been spoken to and heard, by addressing players directly after games. Harry Maguire is reportedly being singled out as someone who will lead the charge and become a vocal presence.
That’s in contrast to Amorim’s reign, where players were reportedly sent home after games, often without him speaking to them, in order to let emotions fade before making snap decisions. He would then address his thoughts the following day as it gave him a chance to further analyse parts of the game and deliver a clear assessment once the emotion of matchday had died down.
Coaching Limitations
Amorim reportedly stopped his own coaching staff from delivering complex tactical instructions to the players to keep things streamlined. Carrick has changed the coaching dynamic, allowing for a different flow of information and instruction.
Players have been impressed by the more hands-on approach of Carrick and his staff compared to Amorim, who got involved but sometimes preferred to observe more than anything.
Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Manchester United players now arrive later to matches(Image: Getty)
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Matchday Logistics
A subtle change Carrick has made is ensuring his players arrive at Old Trafford for matches slightly later ahead of kick-off. The different pre-match routine has been brought in to try to freshen things up, with Amorim being strict on earlier arrival times ahead of fixtures.
For the Premier League win against City, the team bus arrived roughly 15 minutes later than usual. This was an intentional change made by Carrick so that his players would not be hanging around in the stadium waiting for kick-off, as well as ensuring his squad received a good reception.
Training Session Structure
Carrick has shortened training sessions but significantly increased the intensity of the drills performed, with an emphasis on tailored one-to-one training too. Under Amorim, training sessions were longer but were lower in intensity and had different tactical focuses.
It is believed Carrick made the change to stress the importance of performing at one's best each day. Reports suggest the energy in training is now a far cry from that under Amorim, with Carrick aided by two new assistant coaches in Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate.
Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo and Michael Carrick walk off after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City
Carrick is trusting players like Kobbie Mainoo (Image: Getty)
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Focus on Youth
Amorim frustrated fans and former players by seemingly shunning the club’s talented youngsters who had come through the academy. While the Portuguese head coach did give the likes of Chido Obi, Harry Amass and Ayden Heaven game time, he also publicly called them out, along with Mainoo, which seemed unusual for a United manager to do.
Carrick, however, has taken a greater interest in giving young players a chance and the club’s academy as a whole already. He brought back youngsters such as Habeeb Ogunneye from loan and Joe Hugill to train with the first team. He’s also been seen attending youth team games - something Amorim was accused of not doing - which will further encourage academy stars that there is a real pathway to the first team.