Manchester United struggled at the start of the Premier League season until Ruben Amorim was dismissed and former player Michael Carrick stepped in as interim head coach.
Under Carrick’s guidance, the team’s performance has transformed.
With only one Premier League loss since he took over, Manchester United is close to securing a Champions League spot, a goal that seemed out of reach earlier this season.
This period has shown improvements not just in results, but also in how the team plays. They are now more organized defensively, quicker in their build-up, and sharper in attack. The team’s progress is becoming clearer each week.
His efforts were recognized in January with the Manager of the Month award.
Changes in Tactics: What’s Different at Old Trafford?
Carrick’s tactical approach has lifted Manchester United into the top four. He moved away from the back-three system used by Amorim and adopted a simpler formation.
Now, the team uses a back four, with two midfielders holding their ground and a flexible front four that effectively fills central spaces.
The return of Kobbie Mainoo has reinforced the midfield. Paired with Casemiro, he brings calmness in possession and helps control transitions, making the team tougher to break down and more relaxed with the ball.
This new formation has allowed Bruno Fernandes to operate freely, contributing significantly to the team’s attacking play. His nine goal involvements in the last nine Premier League matches highlight his importance in the midfield.
With a more organized system, defensive performance has improved. Player roles are clearer, the structure is solid, and team members are more comfortable in their positions, a stark contrast to earlier in the season.
In the last nine Premier League matches, Manchester United holds the third-best goal difference, trailing only Arsenal and Chelsea. Notably, they sit just a point ahead of Arsenal in the form table for this period, having played one match less, and are two points clear of local rivals Manchester City.
What initially seemed like a chaotic season now has a clear direction. The system suits the players, and their performances demonstrate this improvement.
While Amorim’s strategy led to a bleak outlook for the season, Carrick’s tactics have made Champions League qualification a clear expectation.