Michael Carrick has won his first three matches since returning to the Manchester United hot seat last month, following Ruben Amorim's departure
Michael Carrick has already made several changes behind the scenes at Manchester United
Michael Carrick has already made several changes behind the scenes at Manchester United
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Michael Carrick has made another subtle change behind-the-scenes at Manchester United since he was confirmed as the club's new head coach until the end of the season.
Carrick, 44, has made an impressive start to life back at Old Trafford, winning each of his first three matches against Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham. It's a run that has seen them leap back into the Premier League top-four, five points behind third-place Aston Villa.
And since his return to United, Carrick has made a number of changes. On the pitch, he has restructured Amorim's rigid 3-4-3 formation and restored Kobbie Mainoo to the starting line-up.
Off the pitch, Carrick has made the decision to speak to his players post-match, something Amorim not often did, according to The Athletic. Even if he saves the detailed analysis for days after the match, Carrick has opted to make a concerted effort with his United charges in the dressing room, with some feedback delivered individually.
It comes after it was revealed that Carrick has scrapped Erik ten Hag and Amorim's policy of requiring the United players to train the day following matches. Carrick has instead approved designated rest days within 24 hours of a fixture, with recovery sessions rescheduled to take place two days after the final whistle.
Carrick has opted to dismantle a number of Amorim's methods while implementing his own principles and philosophy. Amorim chose to ban players from taking holidays during international breaks and banned food from being brought into the dressing room. The former Sporting CP head coach even stopped his own coaching staff from delivering intricate tactical instructions to his United stars.
Carrick has also shortened the training sessions but ramped up the intensity of drills. He has modified the time his squad arrives for fixtures, both travelling for away matches and home games at Old Trafford.
His changes have worked, with United picking up some form and looking in a strong position to challenge for a Champions League place. Next up for the Reds is a clash against Tottenham on Saturday afternoon.
Although Spurs have failed to win any of their last five Premier League matches, Carrick is expecting a "big challenge" from Thomas Frank's side. "They certainly bring a challenge," Carrick said.
"The way they finished the game the other day, they've had, over a period, players injured, a lot of changes to the team which makes things more difficult. They're getting players back, they have really good attackers that look to stretch the backline and play forward and attack the box an awful lot.
"A slightly different game to what we've played in recent weeks but we're looking forward to, we are in a good place, the boys have worked well again this week. Feet on the ground, let's not get carried away. It's about what's next. Big challenge ahead."