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Manchester United have agreed a double transfer exit | Getty Images
Michael Carrick has made a few subtle changes to Man United’s line-up with one making a huge difference.
Michael Carrick hasn’t signed new players or seen a raft of key players return from injury to propel Man United’s return to form.
Instead, the Red Devils boss has gone back to basics. Organisation, discipline, energy and simplicity. It helps that he has also put square pegs in square holes and the players in their best positions. There is one exception though.
Although more than capable of leading the line, Bryan Mbeumo has been moved from his no.10 or right-hand forward role to play as the last man of the attack and stretch opposition defences. A role he is carrying out to perfection.
Man United could have their version of Firmino
Of the three big-money summer signings, Mbeumo has clearly been the most successful, however, it would be interesting to see how Matheus Cunha plays in Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 which has allowed Bruno Fernandes to flourish once again as the playmaker in chief.
With three goals in his last four games as a centre-forward, Mbeumo has given United a different option to the target man that is Benjamin Sesko. It is a role that one club has used to good effect to win the Premier League before and the Champions League too. What Carrick’s subtle tweak has also done, is get more out of Amad Diallo by taking him out of a more defensive role where his attacking talents were being wasted.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool team was built around its front three. Sadio Mane one side, Mohamed Salah the other, with Roberto Firmino through the middle. It was the Brazilian who would do a lot of the donkey work for those around him.
He would chip in with goals, but he was never prolific, instead, he was tasked with doing all the unfashionable work and with creating space for those around him. Mbeumo is performing almost as a false no.9 in exactly the same manner. The 26-year old isn’t going to be a Harry Kane or Erling Haaland, but he has the skillset needed to cause teams problems in a different way and he is key to United’s success this season.
What Carrick has said about Mbeumo leading the line
Mbeumo and Sesko are completely different players which has resulted in three positive performances and results since Carrick made the switch. Speaking to Sky Sports after the dramatic win over Fulham, it is clear that the boss is a big fan of the Ivory Coast international: "I think he's got an eye for goals, Bryan. He's got... his movement's really good. He's a combination player as well as a threat in behind.
"I think it was just a really good mix for the first two games and carried it on a little bit today. So we got options and it's great to have options and the flexibility to even cross the front line for similar players to play, but actually it can look different as well in terms of how we want to attack. So yeah, Bryan's done fantastic.
“I think him and Bruno have had a really good link-up and obviously the goals have had a big impact for us."
The difference in recent weeks has been huge, with a couple more signings and Mbeumo leading the line next season, who knows what might be possible.
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