Michael Carrick will want his Man Utd team to enter the 24-day break with some momentum, with a win against Bournemouth, because a ‘unique’ challenge awaits them afterwards.
Challenges are not something that have fazed Michael Carrick so far at Man Utd, with the interim manager ticking off wins against Man City and Arsenal in his first two games in charge.
The most recent victory against Aston Villa has set the team up nicely for Champions League qualification next season.
However, all of that can dissipate quickly if the players don’t heed Carrick’s warning of a ‘unique’ challenge lying in wait.
Bruno Fernandes and Reece James in action.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Are Roy Keane’s concerns valid? Or is he just adding needless negativity to the Michael Carrick debate?
Keane/Carrick
Getty Images
Michael Carrick warns of ‘unique’ Man Utd challenge
It can be argued that the circumstances in which Carrick took the job at Old Trafford were unique themselves.
Therefore, when he says that a particular challenge coming up now is unique, then it is worth sitting up and taking notice.
That’s exactly what he has done in the buildup to the Bournemouth game, warning his players that things could get tough after the game.
More United News
He said: “The next couple of weeks are a real mix for the group. You have to be flexible to come out the back of it in good shape. We’re mindful of it, for sure. It’s unique in some ways, having the week after the internationals to prepare.
“Normally, it’s a rush to get everyone back as quickly as possible.”
United face a wait of 24 days before their next game against Leeds, and as Carrick puts it, the unique factor is that they face a wait of almost a week after the international break.
Rarely does a top-level team get that set of circumstances, but UCL action and FA Cup games have ensured that United won’t be invited to those parties.
Carrick has warned of the rust vs rhythm conundrum
This is not the first time Carrick has tried to push back against the narrative that having a gap between games provides United with an advantage.
Will Man Utd WIN away vs Bournemouth? How confident are you feeling?
We have a mixed record on the road at Bournemouth…
Utd at Bournemouth
Getty Images
Top-level players are used to being in a rhythm of playing every three days or so, so having these long breaks between games throws them out of shape.
No amount of intense training can replicate match action, and this warning has already been sent by Carrick earlier.
He said before the Aston Villa game that this team needs to fight against rust due to a lack of games, and he was vindicated because United took time to get into that game.
The second half being better than the first isn’t a coincidence when the players are effectively using competitive games to get themselves up to speed.
That problem will become more pronounced after a 24-day break, especially since so many of the players aren’t even travelling for their international sides.
All eyes will be on that Leeds fixture, because Carrick is about to face a challenge no other manager Man Utd has ever had in the Premier League.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox