Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has named the three players who could become crucial under Michael Carrick.
Manchester United have appointed Michael Carrick as interim head coach for the remainder of the season, following Rúben Amorim’s dismissal after the 1-1 draw against Leeds United.
Darren Fletcher took charge of the squad for two games against Burnley and Brighton, but failed to take a win from either. United looked impressive against Burnley, but conceded two sloppy goals and could only take one point thanks to Benjamin Šeško. Against Brighton, Fletcher’s side looked toothless and were helpless in stopping Danny Welbeck from scoring his ninth goal against his former club.
After the FA Cup exit – which means United will play just 40 games, the lowest amount since 1914/15 – Fletcher branded the squad as “fragile”, but he also said: “I think these players have got the ability to qualify in a Champions League place, and that should be their objective, that should be their mindset.
“But they’re going to have to come together and be part of that as well. It’s not about a manager; it’s not about directors. It’s about everyone, and the players have to group together, take responsibility, find a way of, you know, improving quickly and taking on the challenge for the rest of the season.
“Don’t waste the season,” said Fletcher as his final rally call as United boss before going back to his role as under-18s head coach. Carrick will be keen not to let his former teammate down, and three players could prove help him massively, according to Paul Parker.
Parker names Carrick’s starmen
United must improve massively under Carrick if they are to push for the Champions League places in the Premier League, but former United defender Paul Parker has said that three men could prove crucial, with two returning from the African Cup of Nations.
When asked who could have the biggest impact under the new interim boss, Parker exclusively told UtdDistrict: “Firstly, I would say [Bryan] Mbuemo. 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.
“[He can] create plenty of chances and also contribute with goals as well. He needs to be fearless on the pitch and perform well, and Carrick can get the best out of him, too.”
Sesko rounds up impressive trio
Parker continued to say: “Finally, 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.”
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The biggest challenge for Carrick will be finding a place for all three of Parker’s key men. Amad and Mbeumo both favour the right-hand side, and Carrick is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with just one right-winger.
Mbeumo may find himself moving out to the left flank, but this could leave Matheus Cunha out of the team. Carrick could struggle to find a place for all of the attacking stars, as improving the defensive record may be his key focus.
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