Michael Carrick is set to take the Manchester United squad on a mid-season trip to an Ireland training camp.
As per The Athletic, Manchester United will travel for a four-day training camp in the Republic of Ireland between April 6 and April 9.
The Red Devils are currently experiencing a 24-day break between Premier League matches before resuming their campaign against fierce rivals Leeds United on April 13.
The training camp is expected to be an “intense period of training” for those not on international duty, and that should dispel any concerns about Carrick’s training methods to date.
Manchester United Training Session
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
What is Michael Carrick’s best decision at Man Utd so far?
Carrick best decision graphic
Getty Images
Michael Carrick is ruling out any training criticism
When Carrick first stepped in as the interim head coach who succeeded Ruben Amorim, it was widely reported that United players enjoyed Carrick’s training with his new backroom staff.
However, those who watched at Carrington reported that Carrick shortened training sessions to 75 minutes to focus on a shorter but more intense workload.
More United News
That quickly became something to blame when United struggled in matches though. When United were lacking sharpness, Carrick’s shorter sessions were quickly brought up in conversation.
But by leading the first-team squad on an intense training camp in Ireland, Carrick is making sure that there can be no criticism about players lacking sharpness or fitness from training.
There are 12 United players away on international duty, so the remainder of the squad are expected to take part in the training camp.
How many points will Man Utd get from the three games in April? Let us know your predictions!
Starting with a home match vs Leeds when we return!
Getty Images
Man Utd have no excuses heading into Leeds United clash
United return to Premier League action with a big home clash against Leeds, and points are priceless because Champions League qualification is on the line.
Carrick cannot afford his United side to start slowly as a sluggish start will no doubt be punished by a Leeds side eager to dent the Red Devils’ European hopes.
READ MORE: Patrick Dorgu pictured training at Carrington as Man Utd star closes in on injury return
Now that a mid-season training camp has been scheduled, the excuse of sharpness/fitness has been thrown out the window, at least for those who are not on international duty.
Some United players are travelling huge distances over the March break and could arrive back in England jetlagged and fatigued, so the mid-season training camp will allow Carrick and his staff to make a good assessment on fringe players who will be pushing to start.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox