Photo by Tiego Grenho/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Tiego Grenho/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Michael Carrick made plenty of mistakes as Manchester United dropped yet more points this season in a draw against Fulham on Sunday afternoon, but one was by far the worst.
The performance against Fulham was far more concerning than Manchester United’s 1-1 draw suggested with Michael Carrick’s side failing to perform, struggling physically, and in fitness only saved by Senne Lammens and poor finishing.
Carrick should be very concerned by his side failing to run, show any desire, or even control the match against the side that were 20th before a ball was kicked at Craven Cottage. Instead, Fulham played United off the park, which is embarrassing no matter what way Carrick tries to justify it or however happy he claims he is with the showing.
But besides everything else, Carrick’s decision-making was a big worry. With the travelling away fans letting him know how bad one call was.
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Manchester United fans angry at Kobbie Mainoo withdrawal vs Fulham
Carrick waited far too long to turn to his bench in the game, even after going behind. But when he did, he made the wrong decisions. This includes the substitution of Kobbie Mainoo for Mason Mount.
Supporters agreed, with the decision greeted by boos from the United fans, followed by chants of Mainoo’s name and the song dedicated to not being able to play without him. This then led to chants of “attack, attack, attack”, which are all too familiar and usually spell the end for a United boss.
Mainoo was United’s best player, and yet Carrick was quick to bring him off despite Youri Tielemans and Bruno Fernandes offering far less in midfield, with supporters disappointed by the decision, making it known.
This was among the worst calls Carrick made, with the clear response from supporters making it obvious how the call was perceived in the stands. While we could all see it from home as well.
Bringing off Mainoo for a player who has let the club down countless times and also didn’t really even have a memorable touch of the ball after his introduction is poor, and as head coach of United, he should know better.
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Michael Carrick made another blunder by ignoring Shea Lacey
Carrick has slipped into a worrying trend of ignoring form and performances, just playing the same players and hoping for a different outcome. His substitutions follow a similar trend.
Instead of turning to 19-year-old Shea Lacey, who was really impressive against Brighton mid-week, he put Joshua Zirkzee on, who offers absolutely nothing on the pitch against Premier League opposition.
This decision raises real questions over Carrick’s suitability, common sense, and also his bravery in decision-making. Instead of the youngster building momentum and offering impetus, he went for the forward who hasn’t scored all season and also looks lost anytime he is on the pitch.
Two woeful decisions which absolutely cost United more than the draw, as Lacey should have actually started and should now be in the line-up against Spurs.