How do you solve a conundrum like Manchester United?
It’s been 13 years since Sir Alex Ferguson left Old Trafford. But the mind-numbing success was always going to be difficult to replicate, or even come close to.
The bluster, conjecture and toxicity has no doubt contributed. They are the footballing gargantuan monster that no one really knows how to solve.
The Red Devils have seemingly tried everything while football has evolved. But their next step may be to stick with the manager that has been a breath of fresh air.
Man Utd’s recent method of appointing managers has been to scout Europe for the cream of the crop. Before Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim took the Man Utd job, they were seen as the most coveted managers in the world.
But both became overwhelmed by the magnitude of Man Utd when results have gone the wrong way. In order for a manager to truly ‘get’ Man Utd, they need to understand the uniqueness of the role.
Managing an elite club is a difficult job. But Man Utd are a 24/7 news machine, where the smallest of matters is truncated into the biggest issues.
Carrick entered into the belly of the beast with the Red Devils in disarray. And though he’s only had four games in charge, it makes sense to keep him at the helm.
Why Man Utd should stick with Carrick
Style of football
Carrick’s tactics since arriving have been spot on. But, more important, they align with the so-called Man Utd DNA.
Shortly after Amorim’s departure, there were jokes in some corners of the media as to what this actually is. And whether it exists.
Well, it has existed. And is a huge reason as to why Man Utd were as successful as they were. Carrick has brought that back.
Instead of routinely seeing centre-backs changed in the dying minutes, Carrick is throwing strikers on for defenders.
Performances against Fulham and West Ham United were far from perfect. But because Carrick took risks, Man Utd got results. Benjamin Sesko came off the bench in both matches to have an impact.
The manner in which Carrick’s men zip the ball around is a far cry to his predecessor. You can see the confidence oozing from Bruno Fernandes and Co.
They’ve gone from performing one style of play that never looked threatening enough (even when adjusted) to being able to tap it around in tight, short spaces and come out of with the ball. It doesn’t feel like many of those moves are rehearsed either. More so that Carrick has instructed them to be in close proximity to each other and then given them the freedom to express themselves.
The spine of Carrick’s team has made it clear the onus is on being on the front foot. Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire are the centre-backs, a duo who progressively pass the ball and have no trouble getting out of a press and moving forward with the ball.
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Ahead of them, Kobbi Mainoo is back in the team alongside Casemiro. Both players are always looking to pass the ball forwards when they get it, even if Casemior’s passing is wayward at times. Bruno Fernandes is also back in his favoured position.
It’s normally very touch to change tactics and formation mid-season. But Carrick has seen what he didn’t like and implemented changes that he knows work.
Previous tenure with Man Utd
When appointing interim bosses, many clubs turn to managers or assistants that have worked with them previously. Because they know the environment, team, and players, inside out.
Carrick worked with a few of these players in 2021, and they hold him in high regard. Key figures like Luke Shaw and Fernandes could mention to the new signings how much they enjoyed having him, or they at least knew what to expect.
Cast your mind back to the Manchester derby, where Man Utd were hotly tipped to lose to Manchester City. Carrick knew what to say and what to do, thrust into a tumultuous situation.
It was exceedingly impressive. so was the win against Arsenal.
Fan favourite
Another reason to go for Carrick is that he would have more leeway with the fans. This clearly matters. There have been managers at other clubs who have failed to get on the right side with fans, and it’s cost them.
Do Man Utd want to trouble themselves with another regime? Wait to see who is available in the World Cup and give a new manager his signings? Or, they can build on what they have and that’s what Carrick is doing.
The most successful manager after Ferguson left, in terms of stability and consistent league performance was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Maybe the answer to Man Utd’s problems is once again close to home.