Michael Carrick has asked Premier League officials to improve their rules regarding set-piece scrambles, claiming that wrestling at corners has ‘gone too far’.
Following a successful start to life as the Manchester United interim manager, Michael Carrick now faces a tough test as his side will have to travel up north to face Newcastle United.
The Reds have climbed up to third in the Premier League following 19 points from a possible 21 under Carrick, making them by far the most in-form side across the top flight.
Most recently for United, they faced Crystal Palace at home, where they managed to turn around an early one-goal deficit through a Bruno Fernandes penalty and a bullet Benjamin Šeško header.
In this 2-1 victory, the Red Devils went behind early in proceedings following a Maxence Lacroix header from a corner. Carrick has since been asked about his opinion on corners, with it currently being a hot topic across the league.
Carrick ‘gone too far’ claim
When speaking ahead of his side’s trip to Newcastle on Wednesday evening, Carrick was asked about his opinion on corners, with set-piece grappling currently splitting opinions.
Carrick said, via Daily Mail: “I think it’s gone too far. It wasn’t long ago where we were told that you couldn’t really lay a hand on anybody in the box and it was it was going to be stamped out and clamped down on. And it’s crept in, it’s gone stronger.
“I think, obviously, the success of set-pieces, and corners in particular, probably in terms of being able to put so many bodies close together, has made more teams do it because the success rate is so high. So it’s understandable why there’s so many teams trying it and doing it.
“But in terms of it as a game, it doesn’t feel that we’ve quite got that balance right. So I don’t know what is to do about it. It’s not for me to decide that, really. In the meantime, you’ve got to deal with what’s in front of you and if it’s allowed, then you’ve got to play to it.”
Carrick staying grounded
Despite a fantastic start to life on the United touchline, Carrick is determined to stay grounded in his bids to take the Reds back to the UEFA Champions League.
Speaking on his side’s quest for a top-four finish, the 44-year-old said, “We’re not looking too far ahead in terms of the games and where we’re trying to get to. I think it’s really important that we stay present and keep our minds on the job.
“Newcastle is an incredibly tough place to go to get a result. I’ve been there many times and I know it well, so we’re fully aware of that.
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“We’re not looking too far ahead. We understand where we are. I think it was a good step for us at the weekend, it’ll obviously be a good boost that comes from that, whether that’s energy-wise, whether that’s confidence-wise, and just total belief from it.
“The boys have earned it, and we’ve got to try and make the most of it from now on in.”
A trip to St. James’ Park only three days after their victory over the Eagles will certainly be a test for Carrick’s United side, although with Newcastle losing three home league games on the bounce, there is no better time to go there in search of three points.
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