UtdDistrict have spoken to former Manchester United defender Paul Parker about the state of play at Old Trafford following Michael Carrick’s appointment.
Michael Carrick has been placed in temporary charge of Manchester United following the dismissal of Rúben Amorim earlier this month, with the former midfielder set to lead the team until the end of the season.
He will be assisted by Jonny Evans, academy coach Travis Binnion, and experienced coaches Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate.
Carrick’s short-term focus is on securing Champions League qualification for next season, with his first two fixtures two of the hardest you could ask for.
United are set to host Manchester City at Old Trafford this weekend, with a trip to Arsenal facing the Reds in North London before the end of the month.
Carrick’s best three assets at United
With Carrick coming in and set to change United’s formation toa 4-2-3-1, there has been plenty of speculation surrounding which players could step up under the Englishman’s rule.
Speaking exclusively with UtdDistrict, former United defender Paul Parker, who played 146 times under Sir Alex Ferugon in the late 1990’s, has highlighted three players who will have a major impact for Carrick.
“Firstly, I would say [Bryan] Mbuemo,” Parker told UtdDistrict, via BetFree. “He has really impressed as the season has gone on, and it was a massive shame to see him head off to the AFCON. We missed him big time.
“But now he can come back, I think he can really work well under Carrick and continue to score plenty of goals and be effective where it matters most.
“The next player would be Amad. Young and hugely talented, I think Carrick can really get his confidence levels high and enable him to perform at a very good level.
“Create plenty of chances and also contribute with goals as well. He need to be fearless on the pitch and perform well and Carrick can get the best out of him too.
“Finally, [Benjamin] Šeško. He is so important to the team going forward now. The talisman up top and Carrick can also give him a big confidence boost by making him the main man and enabling him to work well with Mbuemo and Amad to contribute to Man United’s goal tally.”
Should any players be moved on this month?
With United no longer meeting Amorim’s needs, their transfer strategy has changed for the January window. All of Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, and Kobbie Mainoo were initially desperate to leave this month, but Carrick’s introduction has led to a change in strategy.
“It looks like Zirkzee doesn’t want to be at the club, so I think it’s best for all parties if he leaves,” Parker said when asked if any of United’s current crop should be moved on, even with Carrick in charge.
“There is no point keeping a player who doesn’t want to be playing and I would rather see a young player come through who really wants to play and contribute to the clubs long term success.
“In terms of looking to sell, I think Carrick must look to find the key players who he thinks will be in his immediate plans and play them. I don’t think this is time for him to give everyone a run out.
“I am sure he will know the key players who will be playing week in week out, and with no cup or European football, if Carrick can get a settled side, then let that be the case to keep picking up points and winning games. So find what works and keep it going.”
Šeško’s rising form has been great to see
Since Amorim’s dismissal, Šeško has been United’s only goalscorer, netting both goals in the 2-2 draw with Burnley and the lone strike in a 2-1 loss against Brighton, prior to Carrick’s appointment.
When asked for his opinion of Šeško and what impact the 22-year-old could have against Man City, Parker was quick to point out that the confidence Carrick will give Šeško could be a game-changer.
Read More: Unai Emery’s immediate reaction to Manchester United links explained, “He has plans…”
“I’ve liked that he is scoring goals,” Parker noted. “It does take time to get going, and especially with this Man Utd squad and how the whole team has performed this season, it has been difficult for him. You’re not coming into a settled and winning side, so it’s therefore a lot harder for him.
“Now he has scored a few goals recently, looks fit and with Carrick now in and assuming giving him the confidence that he will be the main man, then he will get more chances with Man Utd playing a style to suit him. This is so important that we get the wingers working well and getting the ball in the box.
“He can then cause teams problems, starting this weekend with Man City. It’s a massive chance to show what you’re about and give everything for the shirt and cause City problems. It’s a big game for Sesko, but one you have to be looking forward to making a good contribution.”
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.