Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee are perfect examples of the refreshing difference between Michael Carrick’s formational set-up compared with Ruben Amorim’s tactical management at Manchester United.
Michael Carrick wasted no time tossing Ruben Amorim’s polarising tactical system out of the window from the moment he set foot back at Manchester United.
In fact, it happened even before United legend Carrick returned to Old Trafford, with former caretaker boss Darren Fletcher abandoning the inflexible tactical approach of Amorim.
Irrespective of Darren Fletcher’s stance, Carrick’s implementation of his Man Utd tactics have been aided by the likes of Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee.
READ MORE: Mason Mount return close? Michael Carrick now drops Man Utd injury update ahead of Newcastle trip
Michael Carrick speaks with Benjamin Sesko during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, in 2026.
Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Michael Carrick’s substitutions are putting Ruben Amorim to shame!
Amorim's substitutions were his biggest flaw – Do you agree?
Getty Images
Michael Carrick’s powerful assessment of Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee is an eye-opener for his tactical Man Utd blueprint
Michael Carrick has pivoted from former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim by deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation instead of the previously used 3-4-2-1 system.
The 44-year-old United interim boss’ system is far less rigid and can effortlessly transition into a 3-2-5 or 4-4-2 during the 90 minutes of any kind of match.
More United News
Carrick’s ability to manipulate key positions on the pitch has opened up a wider depth of the United first-team squad to tap into during matches when he needs it.
Noussair Mazraoui was one example when he came on for Luke Shaw in the Crystal Palace match, while Joshua Zirkzee replaced Bryan Mbeumo from the bench.
Speaking ahead of Man Utd’s encounter with Newcastle, Carrick’s philosophy around his tactics became only more apparent with his analysis of Mazraoui and Zirkzee.
“Yeah, again I say it a lot, but I think the whole squad is so, so important,” he told MUTV, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“I understand that some players have played a little bit more than others, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be the case for the rest of the season.
“I thought Nous, in particular, coming in, he played ever so well. So, I’m pleased for us and for him.
“Josh again coming off the bench, as he did at West Ham, and having an impact… I think it’s part of it.”
READ MORE: Michael Carrick explains why Matheus Cunha and Amad are more similar than Man Utd fans might think in attack
Ruben Amorim deserves ___ % credit for Michael Carrick’s BRILLIANT start at Man Utd
Fill in the blank. Did Amorim lay the foundation for success at Old Trafford?
Michael Carrick and Ruben Amorim as Man Utd managers split image
Michael Carrick and Ruben Amorim as Man Utd managers
Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee are the template that Ruben Amorim could never perfect at Man Utd
Amorim tried to tap into the versatility of Mazraoui and even played the 28-year-old Morocco international at wing-back and as a centre-back in his 3-4-2-1 set-up.
However, the approach from the 41-year-old Portuguese coach never felt as resourceful or effective to Mazraoui as it had been with Carrick at the helm.
Even outside of Mazraoui, Zirkzee seemed all but certain to leave United in the January window after falling down the pecking order under Amorim at the club.
Carrick, on the other hand, has been able to explore positions where United striker Zirkzee does not become the centre of attention for a ‘bad’ performance for his side.
Due to the nature of Carrick’s set-up shifting into 3-2-5 or 4-4-2 from the starting set-up of 4-2-3-1, United no longer feel rigid to a certain type of playing style.
Carrick has well and truly broken United of the ‘shackles’ that Amorim had put on the Red Devils and Zirkzee and Mazraoui are the perfect — and very recent — example of that.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox